Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 15 06 2017

Page 16

Guyanese to receive Young Leaders Award from British Queen

No. 104944

THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

26 illegal dredges seized

– GDF recommends charges for dredge owners at KNP

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Gov’t, EU sign £4m assistance pact Page 2

Lindener killed in accident Page 12

A GDF operation unearthed some 26 engines (dredges) among other pieces of mining equipment, which were being used indiscriminately by the illegal miners in the Kaieteur National Park [Guyana Defence Force photo]

Love triangle in the Gardens ...pregnant woman charged for beating ‘cheating’ husband, lover

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President meets with Amerindian Association

… proposes plan to address land COI

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Gov’t, EU sign £4m assistance pact MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan on Wednesday signed a Technical Cooperation Facility (TCF) and Support Services Agreement for the National Authorising Officer (NAO) for approximately $922.8M. Signing on behalf of the EU was Ambassador Jernej Videti, EU Head of Delegation in Guyana. According to a Ministry of Finance release, the agreement assures EU support for the implementation of Guyana’s development strategies and policies. It will also support the operations of, and improve the institutional capacity within, the NAO Task Force in the Ministry of Finance for the efficient planning, implementation and monitoring of development projects and programmes financed by the EU. The TCF will be used

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and EU Ambassador Jernej Videti signing the agreement

to provide short and long term technical assistance, policy advice and studies as needed in the programming, preparation or implementation of actions, as well as for audits and eval-

uation and to support the country’s public financial management (PFM) reform agenda.

The statement said Guyana shares a long standing relationship with

the EU. The EU is the main provider of grant funding to the country.

Since the cooperation between the two countries began in 1976, the EU has committed over €500M.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

Locals to apply for sponsorship of detained Haitians

Activist, Mark Jacobs, speaks with members of the media outside the Ministry of the Presidency, following a meeting with Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, on Wednesday

By Alva Solomon SEVERAL Guyanese are expected to submit applications to the authorities for the sponsorship of several Haitian nationals who have been detained here.

The Haitians, numbering seven adults and eight children, have been detained since May 26, 2017, following suspicions by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) that they were being trafficked. Several others were deported recently by the authorities.

Activist, Mark Jacobs’ told the media following a meeting on Wednesday afternoon with Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, that himself along with others made several recommendations to the minister, including that the sister CARICOM nationals are not deported; that they be released soon and that creole French speakers be placed at ports of entry across the country.

While noting that he could not disclose the full details of the meeting, Jacobs said that a number of persons have stepped in to sponsor the detained persons here and moves are afoot to pursue the application process. He said the application for sponsorship costs G$28,700 per person.

As it relates to the release

of the Haitians, he said that the minister advised that the group meet with the Crime Chief to ascertain the immigration status of those detained. He noted too, that additional information has to be provided to the Ministry of Citizenship regarding the offer of sponsorship. In relation to residency of the detained foreigners, Jacobs said this was not agreed at during the meeting, as he noted that the humanitarian grounds’ surrounding the release of the detained persons is being pursued.

On Tuesday evening, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), a member of the ruling Coalition government, crafted a petition which it plans to submit to the authorities regarding what it terms the “discriminatory treatment” meted out to Haitians by the GPF. The petition noted that the police have seized the passports and mobile phones of the detained Haitians, while their monetary valuables have been seized minus receipts. Over the years, a number of foreign nationals have moved to Guyana and requested naturalization status. These include a large number of Chinese and Brazilians, many of whom have set up businesses in various parts of the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has recommended the prosecution of all registered dredge owners, whose equipment were seized by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), during illegal mining at the Kaieteur National Park (KNP).

The GDF has also recommended that their mining licenses be suspended.

At the same time, the GDF noted that it is “constitutionally obligated” to support the maintenance of law and order and, remains “resolute in its stance of supporting our nation’s efforts in eradicating illegal mining” in the KNP and the preservation of its environment.

A statement from the GDF on Wednesday noted, that it conducted a recent Joint Services Exercise, OPERATION MIDAS, which revealed the extent of the environmental degradation plaguing the Park, due to wide spread illegal mining activities occurring within the boundaries of the protected area of the Park.

The operation unearthed some 26 engines (dredges) among other pieces of mining equipment and environmental pollutants such as Mercury, Waste Oil and Silicone, which were being used indiscriminately by the illegal miners.

Among the recommendations proposed to the Protected Areas Commission

– GDF recommends charges for dredge owners at KNP (GGMC) in their efforts to purge the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) of illegal mining,” the statement noted.

PAC TO ACT Meanwhile, a release from the Ministry of the Presidency noted that the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) is examining the recommendations made by the Joint Services team, which the Government of Guyana had deployed to the Park.

According to the release, Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Denise Fraser said that the Commission will be upping its monitoring activities in the area and will work

to establish a plan to ensure that the recommendations, which fall within its remit, are put into full effect. Following the conclusion of the operation, most of the ranks of the GDF, the Guyana Police Force and officers of GGMC have already left the area, with the remainder expected to be transported to the capital city by the end of tomorrow.

As a result of the operation, which included foot patrols and aerial surveillance throughout the Park, illegal mining activity has been brought to an end with equipment seized and mining camp areas secured. During the two-week operation, eight camps were discovered, six of which were active.

A GDF team in discussion

(PAC) by the GDF were, the erection of billboards to sensitise the public and visitors on the delineation of the Park and prohibited conduct; improved monitoring of all aircraft landing at the location and the scrutiny of any accompanying cargo; the prosecution of all registered dredge owners whose equipment were seized by GGMC, the rehabilitation of all waterways that were deliberately diverted by the

illegal miners and the temporary suspension of mining licences for those registered engine owners.

The GDF made it clear that frequent surveillance will continue over KNP and other such protected areas.

“The Guyana Defence Force wishes to make it pellucid that it is committed to supporting the efforts of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission

Fuel abandoned in the Protected Area of the National Park

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

U.S. lawmaker, others shot on baseball field by man angry with Trump [Reuters] - A man who had posted angry messages against President Donald Trump and other Republicans on social media opened fire on Republican lawmakers practicing for a charity baseball game on Wednesday, wounding a senior U.S. House member and three other people.

The gunman, a 66-yearold Illinois man, fired repeatedly at the men playing on a baseball field in suburban Alexandria, Virginia near Washington. D.C. He was wounded in a gunfight with Capitol Hill police who were at the scene, and police said he later died.

Steve Scalise, the No. 3 Republican in the House of Representatives, was shot in the hip. He was tended to by

James Hodgkinson of Belleville, Illinois is seen in this undated photo posted on his social media account.

Social Media via REUTERS

fellow lawmakers including Brad Wenstrup, a congressman who is a physician, before being transported to a hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.

Also wounded were one

current congressional aide and one former aide who now works as a lobbyist, officials said. One Capitol Hill police officer also suffered a gunshot wound and another officer twisted an ankle, an

official said. While police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation said it was too early to determine whether it was a deliberate political attack, the shooting intensified concerns among some politicians and the public about the sharp divide and bitter rhetoric in U.S. politics.

It also quickly revived a bitter debate about gun rights in America. The gunman was identified by a senior U.S. official as James Hodgkinson from the St. Louis suburb of Belleville, Illinois.

He had worked as a home inspector. Hodgkinson had raged against Trump on social media and was a member of anti-Republican groups on Facebook including “The Road to Hell Is Paved With Republicans,” “Terminate

The Republican Party,” and “Donald Trump is not my President,” a search of his Facebook profile showed.

Trump announced the gunman’s death and called Scalise, a 51-year-old Louisiana congressman, a good friend. Speaking at the White House, Trump said Scalise was “badly injured” but in stable condition and would recover.

“He’s a patriot and he’s a fighter. He will recover from this assault,” Trump said.

Trump, who has been in office since January, also called for unity. “We are strongest when we are unified and when we work together for the common good,” he said.

Speaker Paul Ryan said on the floor of the House, “An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.” The House’s top Democrat Nancy Pelosi echoed Ryan’s message. The shooting happened shortly after 7 a.m., while lawmakers were practicing their hitting and fielding a day before the annual charity congressional baseball game pitting Republicans against Democrats. There were 20 House members and two senators present, and the shooting lasted about 10 minutes, said Representative Joe Barton of Texas, the Republican team’s manager.

The charity game will go ahead as scheduled at Nationals Park, home of the Washington Nationals Major League baseball team.

In a show of bipartisan unity, Republican House

London fire: Twelve dead in Grenfell Tower blaze [BBC] - Twelve people have died in a west London tower block fire and the number of deaths is expected to rise, police have said.

Firefighters rescued 65 people from Grenfell Tower in north Kensington, after they were called at 00:54 BST. Witnesses said people were trapped in the tower block, screaming for help and yelling for their children to be saved.

Theresa May said there will be a full investigation and “if there are any lessons to be learned they will be”. It is understood that “several hundred” people would have been in the block when the fire broke out, most of them sleeping.

The ambulance service said 68 patients had been taken to six hospitals across London, with 18 in critical care. A further 10 patients made their own way to hospital.

During the night, eyewitnesses said they saw lights - thought to be mobile phones or torches - flashing at the top of the block

of flats. Trapped residents came to their windows - some holding children. An emergency number - 0800 0961 233 - has been set up for anyone concerned about friends or family.

Commander Stuart Cundy, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “Sadly I can confirm that there are now 12 people that have died that we know of.

“This is going to be a long and complex recovery operation and I do anticipate that the number of fatalities will sadly increase beyond those 12.” He said several people were still unaccounted for. “Sadly, I don’t anticipate there will be further survivors,” he said. London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner, Steve Apter, said there were “still pockets of fire yet to be extinguished in places particularly difficult to reach” but “almost all” of the building had been searched.

The service was using drones to help assess the integrity of the building, so the fire service could plan its next steps, he said.

“We certainly intend to be

DATE: 14-June-2017 C

here through the night,” he said.

Checks have been carried out on the building and it is not in danger of collapsing, London Fire Brigade said. Paul Munakr, who lives on the seventh floor, managed to escape.

“As I was going down the stairs, there were firefighters, truly amazing firefighters, that were actually going upstairs, to the fire, trying to get as many people out the building as possible,” he told the BBC. He said he was alerted to the fire not by fire alarms but by people on the street below, shouting “don’t jump, don’t jump”.

Eyewitness Jody Martin said: “I watched one person falling out, I watched another woman holding her baby out the window... hearing screams.

“I was yelling at everyone to get down and they were saying ‘We can’t leave our apartments, the smoke is too bad on the corridors’.” Michael Paramasivan, who lives on the seventh floor with his girlfriend and young daughter, said he ignored official

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advice to stay in your home.

“If we had stayed in that flat, we would’ve perished. My gut instinct told me just to get the

Firefighters rescued 65 people from Grenfell Tower in north Kensington

girls out. I wrapped the little one up because of the smoke and I just got them out.”

Another resident, Zoe, who lives on the fourth floor, said she

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to return to their homes, a rest centre has been set up at Westway Sports Centre, a statement said, and residents affected should call 020 7361 3008.

alarms weren’t going off but the way it spread so quickly from the fourth floor, all the way up to the 23rd floor was scary.”

The Royal Borough of

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Kensington and Chelsea council said it had placed 44 households so far in emergency accommodation. For those unable

was woken by a neighbour banging on her door.

“The whole landing was thick with smoke. The smoke

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

Venezuelan general quits over constituent assembly plan [BBC] - A Venezuelan top general who resigned last week has revealed his reasons for stepping down.

The head of Venezuela’s National Defence Council, Alexis López Ramírez, said he had resigned over President Nicolás Maduro’s plans for a constituent assembly.

rebel.

But so far there has been very limited dissent within the armed forces. When news of the renunciation of Gen López filtered through on Monday, speculation therefore was at fever pitch about what had triggered it.

On Tuesday, he broke his silence and published a

President Maduro signed a decree convening the constituent assembly

The general said he did not agree with the way the assembly was convened and how its members would be selected. His resignation amid a political crisis has caused waves in Venezuela.

While polls suggest that 80% of Venezuelans are unhappy with the way Mr Maduro runs the country, the military has so far expressed its loyalty to the president. Government critics have repeatedly tried to get the armed forces to switch sides. Most recently, jailed opposition leader Leopoldo López published a video message on Twitter calling on the military to

letter on Twitter [in Spanish] in which he stated his “appreciation, gratitude and friendship for President Nicolás Maduro” before writing that the reason for his renunciation was due to “my disagreement with the procedure used to convene and elect the constituent assembly”.

President Maduro first announced plans to create a citizen’s assembly to rewrite the constitution on 1 May. The move has been heavily criticised by the opposition, which says it is an attempt by the president to increase his powers by sidestepping the opposi-

tion-controlled National Assembly. But there has also been criticism from some “Chavistas”, people loyal to Mr Maduro’s mentor and predecessor in office, Hugo Chávez.

They say there is no need to change the constitution, which was drawn up and passed under President Chávez in 1999. President Maduro argues that the constituent assembly will “bring peace” to Venezuela, where more than 60 people have been killed in protest-related violence since 1 April.

The president says a new constitution will also enshrine some of the social programmes Mr Chávez introduced and prevent them from being abolished should a new government come in. There is also disagreement over whether the way the assembly was convened was legal, with some saying the president should have held a referendum.

However, a legal challenge filed by the chief prosecutor has been dismissed by the Supreme Court, which critics say is stacked with supporters of President Maduro.

Opposition politicians have called on Venezuelans to further increase the pressure on the government by stepping up their protests.

Colombian model held for allegedly helping kidnappers [BBC] - Police in Colombia have arrested a local TV presenter and model on suspicion that she helped a kidnapping ring abduct a businessman and a lawyer.

Paulin Karine Díaz, 27, was detained by Colombia’s elite counter-kidnapping force in the city of Cali. Police said she was a “honeytrap” who lured the men out of a club and into the arms of the kidnappers in 2011.

The kidnappers asked for $1m (£800,000) in ransom for the men, who are missing believed dead, police said. Police said Hugo López Moncayo and Milton Caro Villamil were approached by Ms Díaz in a nightclub on 30 December 2011 and allege that she helped lure them to the place where they were held.

Investigators suspect the two men were killed and their bodies thrown into the Cauca river.

Police said a witness had

Paulin Karine Díaz was arrested along with a man known as “The Witch”

given them the information that led them to Ms Díaz.

A man known by the alias “The Witch” was also arrested.

Police said he had guarded the two kidnap victims. Ms Díaz was arrested as she was leaving a local TV station where she occasionally worked presenting a sports and fitness segment.

The manager of the channel said she received no payment for her work “but did it for the exposure”.

Colombia was for years t h e w o r l d ’s k i d n a p p i n g hotspot, with human rights groups estimating that almost 33,000 people have been seized since 1970. But according to police figures, the numbers of kidnappings dropped 92% between 2000 and 2016, mainly because the country’s largest rebel group, Farc, stopped kidnapping people as part of the peace deal it signed with the government.

Cuba starts election cycle, likely last of Castro presidency

In this Tuesday, December 27, 2016 photo; Cuba’s President Raul Castro casts his vote to elect a new member of the state council, the biannual legislative session at the National Assembly in Havana, Cuba.

HAVANA, Cuba (AP) — Cuba is starting an electoral process that is expected to end with President Raul Castro stepping down in February.

The Council of State says in Wednesday’s state media that voting for municipal assemblies will take place on October 22.

It doesn’t set the date of

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voting for the country’s parliament, which selects the Council of State and the president. Elections are held every five years.

Castro has said he’ll step down as president in February, although he is expected to remain head of the ruling Communist Party. Above the municipal level, Cuban elections are choices between candidates preselected by the Cuban Communist Party and related organizations.

That guarantees that the country’s nominally representative bodies in practice answer to the president and a small group of high-ranking officials.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

The protest in Queens, N.Y The protests against Government’s decision to close some estates in the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) have now extended beyond the borders of Guyana.

Last weekend, First Lady Sandra Granger and Minsters of Government were in New York to attend events hosted by the diaspora and participate in their observance of Guyana’s 51st Independence Anniversary.

At an event held in Queens, attended by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, S.C he was met by a group of vociferous protesters. Going by the placards, not what was spoken by some, the focus was the sugar industry and May 24, 1964. As the protestors

opted to express views that Government’s decisions are informed by race and political partisanship, at home sugar workers and their unions are talking about community economics and likely social consequences changes could bring. GuySuCo’s workers are of diverse races, and though Indians comprise the majority, Africans are in excess of 40 per cent.

There is no denying the re-organising efforts are being met with mixed reviews, inclusive of support for Government’s decisions. What was noticeable among the placards is the heightened objection to the corporation’s decision on some sugar estates and its future plans.

Government has said it is engaging in efforts to

save sugar and GuySuCo. If salvaging the corporation would be feasible, time and factors will tell.

In the meantime, reliance on the State to fund this behemoth industry to the tune of tens of billions has been ongoing for many years and the reasonable among us cannot deny solutions had to be found.

The above being said, it cannot be ignored there is something unsettling about Guyana’s socio-political reality and Government should not ignore it in light of potential consequences for social cohesion and national unity.

Decline in GuySuCo’s performance, the result of corrupt and inept management, overrun administrative cost, production decline, industrial actions,

decline in market prices, selling out of fertile lands in Diamond, etc. are known. The former PPP/C government even hired a Guyanese in the diaspora as Chief Executive Officer, with expectation he could salvage the industry. That government also ensured the political hierarchy was on the Board, among whom was former President Donald Ramotar.

Under PPP/C Government, Diamond estate was closed and regenerating lands sold to private interests. Workers and those who depended on their income for economic opportunities, such as vendors and shop owners, were affected. Queens had no protest during this period when the party’s leadership visited, though

the problems plaguing the corporation were no secret. Guyana’s largest single investment was in the Skeldon Factory. This factory cost approximately US$200 million which was borrowed. It never performed at its expected optimum, still requires millions to fix and bring it up to speed, and the debt will have to be repaid by taxpayers.

It is foolhardy to ignore that PPP/C ministers and leaders were never met with placards a b o u t s u g a r ’s m a n agement and its future during their visits to this borough. Queens’ protest was not only or necessarily about sugar, it was about other issues unrelated to, though sugar presented opportunity to make them known.

Ban on smartphones at A stitch in time saves nine GRA simply a measure under consideration Dear Editor:

Dear Editor:

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to respond to a letter published in the Tuesday, June 13, 2017 edition of both the Stabroek and Kaieteur Newspapers, penned by M. Craig in which the writer attempted to make a case as to why the GRA should not ban the use of smartphones. Additionally, the writer made allegations relative to conditions faced at the GRA which are far from accurate.

Had close attention been paid to the Commissioner General’s remarks or maybe had the reporting on same been tailored differently, the general public would understand that Mr. Statia indicated that the restriction on the use of smartphones was simply a measure under consideration as the Authority fights to maintain the integrity of Taxpayers’

information.

Further, this initiative is being considered to ensure employees of GRA as well as persons visiting highly sensitive areas to conduct business are limited in their ability to copy such information and make it public. This new initiative at protecting Taxpayers’ information may seem retrogressive.

However, the same persons so opposed may turn around and heavily condemn the Commissioner General and the Revenue Authority as a whole, if their information is somehow leaked.

Our letter writer then turned attention to GRA’s ability to operate efficiently where the criticisms proved that the letter writer is clearly not a visitor to the Agency. Firstly, the use of a number system is one that is practiced worldwide and it has been proven to work effectively.

Finally, had the writer visited the GRA head office

recently, he/she would have recognised that there is no longer a tent. GRA has constructed a modern, air conditioned waiting area for taxpayers where internet access is available. Further, given that this area does not contain sensitive information, any restriction would not extend thereto.

While the GRA appreciates the opinions of the general public, persons expressing their opinions should first update themselves with all the details relating to the issues they wish to raise.

As a reminder, GRA welcomes constructive criticisms, and excellent taxpayer relationship. The Authority also wishes to advise that it is strives every day to constantly improve its taxpayer relations.

Regards MELISSA BAIRD Manager (ag) Public Relations Unit

The secondary Town of Charity, with a population of eight thousand, located on the right bank of the Pomeroon River, can disappear in the next fifty years if preventative measures are not put in place to avert this impending tragedy.

Over the past two hundred years, the Pomeroon River has experienced landslides because of the immense depth of this River.

The Pomeroon River has experienced six landslides in this time, the two major ones were at upper Siriki and at lower Kansan Ali Square Lower Pomeroon.

Charity, a main in-transit point is located on a pegasse subsoil, about seventy-five feet in depth and occupies a perimeter of one mile, bordered by dredge Creek New Road and Cozier canal.

This phenomenon took place about a million years ago when the Pomeroon River changed its course from a northeast direction to north-west direction and the ninety-degree turning point is at Charity, where the

heaviest point of erosion is concentrated.

Up to 1948, the river banks of Charity was permeated with dozens of huge ‘Crueda trees’ which mitigate the impact of erosion.

However, infrastructures, such as wharves, marketing centre, fish complex, fuel station on the river bank have all contributed to the shifting of the weak subsoil.

In some areas the shifting of land to the River is noticeable.

Within the last thirty-six years, erosion has claimed about twelve meters of the foreshores, leaving a number of industrial complexes vulnerable.

In 1996, the government was ill-advised to build a boat landing as well to reinforce the foreshores.

On that project the consultant and engineer did not take into account the experience and knowledge of the local people or did any scientific analysis of the subsoil; as such the project began to exhibit slipping of structures. When the subject Minister visited the site I was there and his remarks to me was, and I quote “why you didn’t tell me”- I was

never a part of that arrangement.

However, the deal was to have the structures done with one hundred and fifty, metal sheet piling, forty feet in length, tonnes of green heart wood and hundreds of trucks load of earth and sand that broke the lower pegasse subsoil and Sheet Piling, now the remains lying sixty feet underwater. The contractor was made the ‘Scapegoat’.

However that calamity restricted some among of erosion, for some time, but disaster has appeared again, three areas are affected by the main river dam to mitigate this process a bypass of the Pomeroon River current, have to be done, that is to dig a canal cutting the ‘U-TURN’, of the river which impact is on Charity Community.

Such a diversion can be done from Jiediree square, lower Jacklow, one mile across to Adams Creek, below Charity. With much earth moving the device, this bypass can be done in two months’ time.

Regards ISAHAK BASIR CCH

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

MP Harry Gill is misleading Dear Editor:

As I have said before in one of my missives that I will only reply to Harry Gill if he speaks of issues that deal with the development of the region and not personal attacks. So, I will like to response to a letter written by this MP in Kaieteur News’ letter column dated 14\6\2017 under the heading: “This Region 5 Councillor is an embarrassment to the APNU+AFC Govt”.

Let me remind Harry Gill that as long there are developments happening you can label me anything, I will not fall that easy. In Region 5, development is happening and the CORE project is yet another programme that will see the beautification of villages. I must applaud the Hon. Minister David Patterson and Annette Ferguson for another “A” plus initiative in getting the CORE programme started.

Now to educate MP Harry Gill as to what CORE means. CORE stands for Community Organise to Restore the Environment. The aim of CORE is to ensure that communities are being kept clean and enhanced so that the beautification of the area is seen as pleasing and welcoming to visitors as we seek to promote a “Green Economy”.

So, the CORE workers have all rights to slash and clean up where needs enhancement. They have been working in various villages over the past month. They have done work in No.27, Forth Wellington, Woodley Park, Bath Waterloo and Hopetown. Harry Gill seems to be upset that the communities are looking good and welcoming to all. I know Harry Gill as a PPP leftover votes MP will want to see overgrown bushes in all the areas but that won’t happen, Harry.

I must also say that I am

very thankful for the interest shown by this MP for visiting the CORE workers while they were on duty. But what I am upset at the lies that this MP told the workers just to take out pictures with them.

Harry Gill told the workers that he is from overseas and that he will like to take out a few pictures with them so that he can take back and show the people how hard Guyanese can work. He asked the workers to pose so that he can take the pictures.

Imagine this MP barefacedly lied to the workers to ensure he has his ways.

He mentioned that the CORE workers were used to enhance the street where Carol Joseph lives and the street leading up to my house. Well, Harry Gill, you need to understand those are the state streets, likewise the one next to Freedom House at Bath that was rebuilt about a month ago. Did you question as to why the NDC proposed that street to be done and not the tens of others that are in very bad shape?

The CORE workers will clean where have to be clean.

Under the PPP, the CIIP workers were used during the 2015 elections to slash and clean around Freedom House, to wash Freedom House, etc at Bath. Did you question the PPP as to, why the workers were not used to clean the drains that need cleaning? NO. I don’t know what you call misused authority because the CORE workers do what they have to do and that is to enhance the community. CORE workers do not have to go where you go. It was our plan to clean those streets in Woodley Park. The school street was part of the plan and so the workers had to wait until school was in session before they could have started working on the street shoulders.

What amazes me is the way you rush to take pictures

of my house and threatened my family to send people to take care of things. I should let you know that as a young politician I have NO fear.

So, I am not afraid of you and the PPP personal targets on me, but my family is out of this. This is how the PPP is, as long as they cannot get to the person, they drive fear into the lives of the family members.

I will continue to be strong and work for the betterment and development of my region and its people. I will continue to represent the people’s interest. I will continue to stand with the people to ensure there are developments and positive things happening.

The PPP MP who gained a seat in Parliament by leftover votes must stop lying to the nation and see things the way they are. The MP is calling on the Minister of Communities and the leader of the AFC to rein in me.

Well, I must let you know the AFC does not direct government workers what to do and where to do it. The PPP was doing that and that is why we are in this mess today. The PPP government was harassing people who speak for their rights. Today, people won and that is why many can stage a protest and talk openly. If this MP thinks that by cleaning the community is a bad thing, then let it be. Development will continue to happen under this APNU+AFC government no matter what the PPP tries to do. Region 5 will continue to develop and move positively forward no matter what Harry Gill or the PPP think or say. We will continue to work so that there can be betterment and a Good Life For All including this MP. Regards ABEL SEETARAM

Some unscrupulous staff leaking GRA information to the public Dear Editor: The admonition by Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia about possible sanctions should there be a continued breach of confidentiality at the GRA, was criticized as “creating a repressive atmosphere” by a letter writer in the June 12 edition of Kaieteur News.

In response, the GRA would like to use this opportunity to remind the general public about the Oath of Confidentiality and Secrecy that every officer of the Authority is bound under law to take, and honour regardless of his/ her conviction or persuasion.

This Oath is founded in law, particularly in Section 4 (1) INCOME TAX ACT and Section 23 of the Revenue Authority Act. Section 4 (1) INCOME TAX ACT, Chapter 81:01 states: Every person who

has any official duty or is employed in the secrecy administration of this Act shall regard and deal with documents, information, returns, assessment lists and copies of those lists relating to the income or items of income of any person, as secret and confidential, and shall make and subscribe a declaration in the form prescribed to that effect before a magistrate.

In accordance with Section 23 of the Revenue Authority Act, Cap. 79:04: No person shall, without the consent in writing given by or on behalf of the Authority, publish or disclose to any person other than in the course of his duties, or when lawfully required to do so by and court or under any law, the contents of any document, communication or information whatsoever, which relates to, and which has come to his knowledge in the course of his duties under this Act.

Unfortunately, adherence to these laws has not been forthcoming in some regard, and some unscrupulous staff have been leaking information to the public at large, including the press.

These unlawful actions do not augur well for the integrity and by extension the mandate of the GRA. While the Authority respects the right of every citizen to their opinions on many of its shortcomings, there should also be advocacy for interventions that seek to promote professionalism to remedy compromises and no-tolerance for those who breach confidentiality.

The Authority welcomes any information from the general public that would allow for these persons to be condignly dealt with.

Regards MELISSA BAIRD Manager (ag) Public Relations Unit

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

Minister Allicock recognised as ‘Person of the Year’

– 10 male Guyanese awarded as Golden Rule ‘Goodwill’ Ambassadors

VICE President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock

By Vishani Ragobeer VICE President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, was awarded Person of the Year for South America, while 10 other notable male Guyanese were appointed Goodwill Ambassadors from the iChange Nations International organization.

According to Founder and President of iChange Nations, Dr. Clyde Rivers, Minister Allicock was bestowed with this award for his efforts in fostering the development of indigenous people and hinterland com-

Golden Rule Goodwill Ambassadors pose with their awards alongside Dr. Clyde Rivers (fourth left)

munities.

“His development of the Indigenous communities has created great opportunities for education and skills development for gainful employment within the country,” Rivers related and expressed that the iChange Nations welcomes such a great leader in helping to change the world.

Ten male Guyanese were also awarded the Golden Rule Award of the iChange Nations International organization and recognized as Goodwill Ambassadors for their work in promoting peace and fostering development in Guyana.

The inaugural Golden Rule Awards was held on June 12, 2017 at the Umana Yana and notable awardees include: Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Clifton Hickens; Acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin

Samuels; Reverend Martin Messiah and Executive Officer of the President’s Youth Award for the Republic of Guyana, Allister Collins.

According to the President of iChange Nations, “We’re looking to establish an initiative around the world,” and he related that true world peace can only be achieved if people treat others the way they themselves would like to be treated.

The 10 awardees alongside Minister Allicock were recognized because, as Riv-

ers said, “Every country needs a role model.” They are now tasked with promoting peace while trying to develop Guyana, thereby promoting world development.

Dr. Clyde Rivers is a World Peace Ambassador and has been appointed the World Civility Spokesman.

At the award ceremony, he awarded Golden Rule and Guyana Youth Ambassador, Dr. Astell Collins as a World Civility Ambassador.

Dr. Collins, who is a

well-known leadership speaker and mentor, has been described by Dr. Rivers as a man of integrity and a man who shows willingness to effect positive changes in his country.

The iChange Nations is the World’s Largest Honouring Network, spanning across 122 countries. It functions as a new global ethic to support World Peace and it bestows the Golden Rule awards to worthy figures in countries.

Love triangle in the Gardens …pregnant woman charged with assault of cheating husband, lover A PREGNANT woman, who was allegedly assaulted by her husband and his lover after she caught them in the Botanical Gardens, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, charged with assault.

Kezia Phil, and her 36-year-old husband, Derrick Phil, both from Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and the lover, Sandra Spencer, were all charged with assault. Kezia Phil, who is eight-months pregnant, was charged with assaulting her husband and Spencer on June 8, 2017

at the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown.

Mrs. Phil pleaded guilty to the charges and explained that on the day in question, she was in a taxi heading to a doctor’s appointment when she saw her husband’s car proceeding along Vlissengen Road.

The woman further explained that the car drove into the Botanical Gardens and she was shocked because her husband told her that he was busy with work.

“I told the taxi driver to follow the car… I see when my husband drive up and park, then I saw them kissing up,” the pregnant

woman told the court.

She added the she approached the vehicle and opened the passenger’s door.

“I open the door and tell her that I’m his wife… and she [Spencer] tell me wah duh gotta do with her,” Mrs. Phil pointed out.

According to the pregnant woman, Spencer slammed the car door on her tummy after which she [Mrs Phil] hit her [Spencer] with an umbrella.

During the altercation, Mrs. Phil alleged that her husband came out of the car and hit her [Mrs Phil] with the same umbrella.

Meanwhile, the husband and lover were also charged with assaulting the pregnant woman, however, Mrs. Phil dropped the matter against Spencer, which was dismissed by Magistrate Azore.

Mrs. Phil pointed out that she will be proceeding in the matter against her husband since he is in the habit of assaulting her, even though she has a restraining order against him.

Magistrate Azore released the husband on $35,000 bail and transferred the matter to City Magistrate, Dylon Bess, for June 15.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

President meets with Amerindian Association … proposes plan to address land COI PRESIDENT David Granger has proposed a five-point intervention to ensure that the work of the Lands Commission of Inquiry (COI) meets the needs and address the concerns of all stakeholders.

During a meeting with executive members of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), at State House on Wednesday, the Head of State made it clear that there was nothing sinister in the setting up of the Commission. The intention however, was to correct existing anomalies regarding individual and communal lands.

“There is no mischief or no malice on my part or the part of the Government or the Commission to deprive people of their lands,” the President was quoted as saying in a release by the Ministry of the Presidency.

According to the release, in addition to the plan, a special body will be established comprising of representatives of Indigenous Peoples’ organisations including the National Toshaos Council

From left (second row): Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Mr. Trevor Benn; President David Granger; Mr. Ted Lucas, Mr. Ron James, Ms. Jean La Rose and Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon. Front row: Mr. Earl Thomas, Mr. Benson Thomas and Ms. Laura George

(NTC), to ensure that the President’s interventions are properly executed so that the Commission’s work can move forward smoothly.

So far, Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC), Mr. Trevor Benn, is the designated point of contact for the Government. According to the Ministry, following the setting up of the Commission in early March, several Indigenous groups and

individuals have expressed dissatisfaction. President Granger said that the matter has now become highly politicised and, as such, he will be meeting with the various Indigenous Peoples’ organisations.

The five points that the President outlined are a comprehensive review of all literature that has to do with Amerindian land titling, particularly as it relates to ongoing programmes; consensus

building on the Terms of Reference (TOR); strengthened adherence to the principle of Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) so that communities are fully involved in the process; the reconciling of the positions of the Government, the Commission and that of Indigenous Peoples’ organisations; a review of the Amerindian Act of 2006 and halting the work of the Commission on matters specifically related

to Amerindian lands until all the outstanding concerns are addressed.

Meanwhile, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who was also present at the meeting, informed that aspects of the Commission’s work related to lands other than those belonging to Indigenous peoples will proceed as scheduled.

“The inquiry will continue where that is concerned but in so far as it has to do with Indigenous Peoples’ land, the Commission’s work would be put on hold, pending the outcome of what is going to happen with the body that will be set up,” Minister Harmon was quoted as saying in the release.

With regard to the Amerindian Act, Minister Harmon, explained that law revision is a very lengthy process and as such it would not be possible to conclude this matter within the life span of the Commission. In light of this, he said that only the “injurious elements” of the Act will be addressed, for the purpose of fulfilling the

mandate of the Commission.

A more holistic review of the law will follow later.

Executive Director of the APA, Ms. Jean La Rose said that “this is a good step in the sense that we are able to discuss these issues, we are able to air our concerns and focus on how we can move forward… Hopefully, at the end of these discussions we will arrive at a common position.”

In March this year, Rev. George Chuck-ASang, Mr. David James, Mrs. Carol Khan-James, Professor Rudolph James, Mr. Lennox Caleb, Ms. Paulette Henry and Ms. Belinda Persaud were sworn in by President Granger to the Lands Commission of Inquiry (COI). The Commission’s mandate is to examine and make recommendations to resolve issues and uncertainties surrounding the individual, joint or communal ownership of lands and Amerindian land titling issues.

SASOD hopes gov’t slackens position on LGBT community

By Alva Solomon SOCIETY Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) has expressed hope that a recent report on Guyana’s dismal voting record on human rights issues at international bodies would move the authorities to act differently.

This, SASOD said is necessary to improve Guyana’s record-keeping system regarding the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LBGT) community.

SASOD released the report on Wednesday morning at its headquarters on Duncan Street, Georgetown.

Managing Director, Joel Simpson, noted that there have been too many human rights shortcomings in Guyana which are directly related to the LBGT community.

He said between the period 2008 and 2016, the country’s voting pattern on international forums regarding the rights of members of the LBGT community has not been up to date.

“There has been too many human rights shortcomings,” Simpson said.

He expressed hope that the report, which was writ-

ten by Juris directorate graduates, Bryce Celesta and Samy Dorgham, would provide stakeholders with information that can move the authorities into action regarding improvement of the country’s record being updated on the relevant international forums.

The report was reviewed

by Professor, Andrea Parra at the American University, Washington College of Law. Its forward was penned by Barrister, Ulele Burnham, in London, UK. In the report, it was noted that Guyana in many instances, has either not complied in full or not complied on time, with the period reporting procedure set out by the United Nations (UN) Committees such as the Committee on the Rights of the Child (ROC), the Committee Against Torture (CAT) and the Committee on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDW).

In addition, it was noted that the country has provided “precious little evidence” of the steps it has taken to protect women, children and victims of torture where the offending treatment is associated with,

or compounded by the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

As part of it recommendations, SASOD called on the Government of Guyana (GoG) to turn its pro-LBGT rhetoric into action that is viable and meaningful.

In addition, it was noted that while sexual orientation and gender-identified issues may still be under debate domestically, the body called on the country to continue making strides in advancing human rights for vulnerable populations.

Meanwhile, Simpson noted that SASOD is working apace as regards the drafting of a bill which Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, requested.

The bill will include sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) under the Prevention of Discrimination Act 1997.

The body has called for an amendment to the Prevention of Discrimination Act (1997), to include “sexual orientation and gender identity” as grounds for discrimination.

The inclusion of “sexual orientation” into the act will protect persons who identify as lesbian, gay and

bi-sexual while “gender identity” will protect transgender persons.

Additionally, the human rights group is calling for an amendment to the

non-discrimination clause in Article 149 (2) of the Constitution.

In this article, the words “sexual orientation and gender identity” are

absent and according to SASOD, this allows for discrimination of persons who identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

Tobacco Bill for National Assembly today – concerns raised over several clauses

By Ravin Singh THE revolutionary draft Tobacco Control Bill which aims to reduce consumption of the product will be read for the first time and passed in the National Assembly today if it is not sent to the Special Select Committee for further fine tuning.

The bill, which was conceptualised during the time of former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, will be piloted by Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence.

In its current form, the bill provides for the adoption and implementation of tobacco control policies in accordance with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The legislation will also serve as the legal regulator for administration, inspection and enforcement, while providing legislative protection from exposure to second hand smoke by eliminating public smoking.

It will clear the way for the establishment of a National Tobacco Control Council.

The bill is likely to be supported by the 32-seat Opposition Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP), since its spokesperson on Health, Dr Frank Anthony, has called on government to expeditiously

bring the bill to the House.

Tobacco control has been a worrying issue in Guyana.

No data has been made public on how many persons die from smoking every year locally, but according to the WHO, tobacco kills more than half of its users globally.

Worrying, was the fact that the Global Youth Tobacco Survey found that 21 per cent of students aged 13-15 smoke or had smoked in Guyana.

But even though the bill aims to strengthen monitoring and regulative mechanisms, concerns have been raised with regard to several Clauses of the bill. For instance, Clauses 40 to 44 include a list of restrictions and limitations on the interaction between any official, representative, or employee of any governmental institution or body responsible for tobacco control and any tobacco industry or tobacco products.

Another concern is with Section 23 (1) of the bill which states that: “All cigarettes shall be sold in an intact package containing not less than twenty sticks or individual units per package.”

With cigarettes sold loose and in packets of 10 locally, retailers and consumers are of the view that the sale and provision of packs of cig-

Wellington Streets. With seven children to care and provide for, Hope said he is not sure what he will do since this is the only trade he has been engaged in his whole life.

“This is my only income and every week I got to do dialysis which does cost me $20,000 two times a week. I ain’t even know what to tell you, trust me,” the disheartened man said.

Felix ‘Stumpy’ Hope has been plying his cigarette trade for 27 years and is concerned about the impacts of the tobacco legislation

arettes in 10s do not make the product more affordable or accessible to youths or anyone else. Considering that public spaces have traditionally accommodated tray vendors who sell cigarettes, Section 32 of the bill has also raised some amount of concerns.

DISPLAY BAN That section states that: “No person shall go into any public place carrying any tobacco product, electronic delivery system, or component, in a tray, container or otherwise for the purpose of making sales or commercially displaying the product.”

However, the clause which seems to have the greatest impact to some, is Section 19 (2) which impos-

es a display ban on the item although it remains a legal product. This ban essentially eliminates advertisement of tobacco products and forces wholesalers and retailers to sell ‘under the counter’.

However, the point is being made that product display enables a retailer to communicate product availability to consumers, and is necessary for fair brand competition among manufacturers. Proponents are also of the view that display bans would increase the illicit tobacco trade by driving legal tobacco sales ‘under the counter’.

One person, who would be affected by this display ban is Felix ‘Stumpy’ Hope who has been selling cigarettes for the last 27 years at the corner of Regent and

WON’T BE OUT OF BUSINESS But Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, does not believe these new measures will put people out of business.

“If you look at it [the bill] very carefully, we are not putting anybody out of business, we’re just saying, ‘listen, if you’re going to smoke, don’t do it next to me because even though I’m not smoking the side stream smoke is worse than the mainstream smoke,” the Minister said.

Minister Cummings emphasized that the intention of the bill is to have laws which ensure people and communities are healthy which would result in positive economic impacts.

“We want to ensure that we have a healthy people and healthy communities and if

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings

you don’t have a healthy population in the first place, then you won’t be able to have positive economic impacts,” she said.

Asked about what mechanisms will be in place to ensure these regulations are enforced, once they become law, the Minister pointed to two departments at her Ministry with enforcement capabilities and supporting organisations like the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

She said that the Ministry’s promotion unit will be beefed up to strengthen its awareness campaign on the effects of smoking, while acknowledging that the elimination of public smoking is a process, and not an overnight event.

Notable progress in debt management – Finance Minister GUYANA has made notable progress in the area of debt management and Finance Minister Winston Jordan will be visiting the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) Headquarters, Vienna, Austria next month to sign an Investment Protection Treaty, among other activities.

This was disclosed by Minister Jordon at the opening session of the National Workshop on Sustainable Funding Strategy, held recently at Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown.

The workshop began on June 12 and will continue until June 16 when a closing ceremony will be held.

“We have joined the Islamic Development Bank and we are renewing our relationship with the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID),” Minister Jordon said.

He noted that Guyana is also having preliminary discussions with the new development bank, also known as BRICS Bank, with a view of accession, whenever that bank makes the decision to expand membership beyond the five original members.

Jordon said the BRICS Bank is an important repository of resources for infrastructural development and Guyana would like to tap those resources to help to narrow infrastructural deficit in Guyana.

Under the Public Debt Management Capacity Building Programme (PDP) Strategic Country Plan for Guyana, Jordon said there have been notable achievements.

He said Government redoubled efforts to ‘raise the bar’ in the management of public finances, including the public debt, in order to heighten transparency and accountability, value

for money and efficient and effective allocation of resources.

“Some of our policy measures may be bold in their intent, leading to unpopular reactions. However, while governments are often swept into power on a wave of popularity, they are similarly swept out ignominiously when they succumb to demands,” the finance minister explained.

He added: “Especially by special interest groups, to implement policy measures that have short-term gain for these groups, but longterm pain for the mass of the population. History is a great teacher, for which we should learn its copious lessons.”

Government, he said, cannot become complacent.

“The lower debt ratio was achieved at the expense of the unsatisfactory implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). Where we failed to achieve an exemplary disbursement rate of our foreign funded projects, this led to

Finance Minister Winston Jordan during his address at the opening of the workshop

the unacceptable situation of negative net inflows by our major donor, at a time when foreign exchange supply was challenged because of under-performance in critical sectors and areas of the economy.”

Cognisant of the impact on the public debt, of the many loans contracted by the previous administration, the finance minister said the repayment of whose debts, nevertheless, are being met by the government and, by implication, the citizens of this country – “at least those

who pay taxes”.

With an outer debt ceiling limit of 60 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Jordon said these loans have restricted the fiscal space and reduced room for maneouvre, at a time when Guyana is seeking to implement a new generation of transformative projects such as the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the Georgetown-Lethem Road.

“Even with past fiscal consolidation and oil revenues on the horizon, we must be cognisant of the new challenges that confront us

such as dwindling sources of concessional financing and vulnerability to external shocks,” Jordon said.

He explained that government is uneasy about borrowing against future oil revenues.

“We have to be wary of the volatility of the oil market and our capacity to utilise such resources in a transparent and accountable manner. We will continue to assess the situation and weigh carefully our options before any decision, in this regard, is made.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

‘Where do we go from here?’

– Berbice couple relives the anguish of losing their first child

By Jeune Bailey-VanKeric THERE was no mistaking the anguish he was going through.

“How do I deal with having an expectation of embracing my first child, to having him die moments afterwards, and now caring for a sick wife who has to be treated at a Georgetown hospital on a weekly basis,” Durel Hooper said.

As he spoke, his wife, Bibi Girdharry, sat there, staring blankly at the walls of their Smythfield, New Amsterdam home.

Her husband put into words what she was feeling inside. “My wife is now struggling and fighting for her life.

This is not fair; I am terrified; I cannot believe this! I want the world to know that it was due to the negligence of the New Amsterdam Hospital that I have lost my son, my firstborn,” Durel Hooper said, the resolve evident in his voice.

It’s been six years since they’ve been together, he said, and in all this time, he’s never known Bibi to be sickly. That was until she had the baby.

“Soon after the delivery, she began experiencing respiratory complications, and oxygen had to be administered.

My wife does not have any medical records; this whole incident was unnecessary,” an obviously perplexed Hooper said.

He tried seeking an explanation from the medical authorities. “After my son’s death, I wrote to officials at

the hospital, but no one has responded. Apparently, my child is not worthy, but I need justice,” Hopper said.

By this time, Bibi had composed herself and was ready to speak. She recalled her husband going with her to the nearby Smythfield Health Centre on May 16 after she began experiencing some contractions, and being told she was not quite ready yet; that she was likely to have the baby sometime during the course of the week.

But, being first-time parents, Durel and Bibi were not taking any chances, so they proceeded to the New Amsterdam Hospital where they saw a Gynaecologist-Obstetrician. And the doctor, in a way, concurred with what the people at Smythfied had said: That Bibi was not yet ready to have the baby; that she had another six or so days to go.

By the doctor’s reckoning, the baby should arrive by May 22, and if not, then she should be prepared to be admitted to hospital.

True to the doctor’s word, Bibi was admitted about a week later, and up until then, everything appeared to be fine.

SO FAR, SO GOOD The following day, she was given an ultrasound test, which confirmed that the baby was healthy. Then on May 23, at around 23:45hrs, her “water bag” broke; Bibi told one of the nurses on duty what had happened, and she told her that she was mistaken; that it

The distraught parents, Durel Hooper and Bibi Girdharry

couldn’t be her “water bag” that had ruptured; that the liquid coming out of her orifice was certainly not amniotic fluid.

But the way Bibi was feeling proved otherwise.

Recounting the events that followed in great detail, Bibi said: “After the water broke, I started to experience pains. At around 06:00hrs the following day, I went into the labour room.

“I was examined, and I measured four centimetres.

Four hours later, I asked to be checked. But Nurse ‘X’ [name given] said that like every time I get a pain, I want them to check me, and it not suppose to happen like that.

“She refused to check, even though the pain intensified. At 12:30hrs, the baby stopped moving. Again, I asked to be checked. Initially, I was denied, but when the nurse did check, I was seven centimetres. Later, two doctors came. I told them I do not

believe I could push the baby out, as it was big. Instead of assisting, they told me to shut up and lie on the bed.

“I complied, but the pain increased. I got up and started to walk. Again I asked them to check me, as the baby was not moving. Doctor ‘X’ [name given] told me it’s a normal baby, and that I can push the baby out.

“But I cried, telling him I cannot do so. Several doctors came around; they attempted to make space for the baby to descend the birth canal, but the baby was moving upwards.

“I felt the baby’s foot in my right side rib cage. The nurse examined me again, and green stuff came out; I asked her if that was normal, and she said ‘Yes.’ “Subsequently, I was given ‘drips’ to increase the labour pains. I begged and I cried; I pleaded with them to do a caesarian section, but they refused.”

She distinctly recalled

one female doctor, who was dressed as though she was going to a party, asking her whilst texting or messaging on her phone, whether she thought they were there to butcher persons.

“I asked her whether she has kids,” Bibi said. “And after receiving a negative reply, I told her that she cannot know the pains I was experiencing.

“It was after receiving two bags ‘drips’ that they decided to take me to the Operating Theatre; minutes to four in the afternoon.”

HEAD TOO BIG She recalled one Dr. Ganesh later telling her that the reason she had to go to the theatre was because the baby’s head was big, and could not pass safely through the birth canal.

“After I regained consciousness, I asked for the baby. They said he was okay, but whilst talking to my husband, one of the doctors told me that the baby has a medical problem, and that he has to go to Georgetown Hospital, and that I would have to stay behind at New Amsterdam Hospital,” Bibi said, adding: “But I refused to let my son go, so I was also transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).”

It was on her arrival at the GPHC that the doctors would discover that she had a respiratory problem. An X-ray also confirmed that there was a mass at the right side of her stomach. A CAT-scan was

also done, and that proved that there were blood clots in the lungs.

“I had to take oxygen. I was hospitalised for 12 days; I did not know my baby died; my husband did not tell me because of my condition,” Bibi said, voice trailing as the despair again threatened to engulf her.

Looking back at the fun times she and Durel had over the years, and the joy they’d felt when she became pregnant, the young mother said: “I was a healthy woman when I entered the hospital to have my baby. Until now, I cannot understand what has happened; I am trying to relive that moment to see where I went wrong, even though I did nothing wrong.

“I cannot believe my child is gone; it hurts every time I think about It. The doctors and nurses are there to help; I was so happy to go and have my baby, but now he is no more.”

A post mortem would reveal that the cause of the child’s death was a condition called Neonatal Lung Distress Syndrome, one of the antecedents of which is severe brain edema.

Like his parents, the child’s paternal grandmother, Sharon Hooper, is still to come to terms with his demise.

“All we have is a photograph,” she said wistfully. “So much preparations were made for the addition of the family.”

According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the New Amsterdam Hospital, Mr. Colin Bynoe, the matter is currently under investigation.

North Rupununi Board clarifies position on lands COI – position contradicts that of Chairman

By Ravin Singh THE North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) – a local non-government organization (NGO) – is claiming that contrary to what has been said in the press, it never took a position on the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (COI) into lands.

The Board reminded Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock of this in a letter on June 8, 2017; the letter was signed by NRDDB Secretary,

Suresh Andries.

In the letter, the NGO stated that: “…the NRDDB has not made any public claims of support for either body [the Ministry or National Toshao’s Council (NTC)]”. The letter added that the body was concerned about what was being said on social media and in the press and felt this is not the best approach to resolve the land issue.

In 2015, President David Granger announced that a COI would be established to address issues related to an-

cestral land rights. However, this has not found favour with the NTC which asked that the decision be rescinded in the interest of the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana.

The NTC had said that it “categorically condemns the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry as a mechanism to guide the process to addressing the lands issues as it relates to the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana. Guyana’s First Peoples, as a core group of people with a very unique status in Guyana, and having lived on this land for time immemorial, view it as an aberration that needs to be

recalled and have established two separate entities to deal with the issues currently placed under such a blanket.”

Subsequently, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs announced that the NRDDB had supported the COI and that the NTC had been misleading residents of indigenous villages before fully comprehending the terms of reference in the COI. Although NRDDB is claiming it never supported any side in the issue, last month, its Chairman, Anthony Andries said that the COI was long overdue. Those

statements had been reported in a Kaieteur News article which appeared in its May 25 edition, under the headline “North Rupununi throws full support behind COI on Indigenous Land”.

Anthony reportedly said that he is convinced that the NTC Executive was blatantly refusing to deal with the facts or that they were using the issue as a political strategy.

“For me it is either of the two because if they didn’t tell us well this is their stand and this is the other part of the story. But they didn’t do that.

I also think that they have withheld key information

from us. They didn’t share the ALT part,” Andries reportedly told Kaieteur News.

That publication further went on to state that in welcoming the establishment of the COI, the chairperson said that it was long overdue.

“I’m calling on the NRDDB to prepare a letter and send it to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and to the President, letting them know that we as Toshaos in the North Rupununi are pleased with the setting up of the COI and that we are ready to work,” Kaieteur News quoted Andries as saying.

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Lindener killed in accident – alleged drunk driver arrested A DRIVER who was found to be above the legal alcohol limit, is in police custody after the car he was driving, crashed into a pedestrian on the Half Mile public road, Wismar Linden on Tuesday night.

Dead is Sherwin Hermanstein called “Bonzee”, 38, of lot 534 Canvas City, Wismar. The body is currently at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination, which will be done on Friday, June 16.

Police said the fatal accident occurred about 22:45hrs and investigation

revealed that motorcar, PSS 5865, driven by a resident of Industrial Area, Mackenzie, was proceeding north along the western carriageway of the road, allegedly at a fast rate when it collided with Hermanstein, who was attempting to cross the road from west to east.

As a result of the impact, police said Hermanstein fell onto the road surface; he was picked up and rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex by the said driver in an unconscious state, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dead: Sherwin Hermanstein when he was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex

North Ruimveldt school compound flooded

By Telesha Ramnarine

CHILDREN OF North Ruimveldt Multilateral School are exposed to waterborne diseases due to flooding of the school’s compound.

It is believed that the flooding, aside from rain, is caused by persons squatting on the school’s land.

Georgetown Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, has since requested that an engineer visit the school to determine what is causing the build-up of water in the compound so as to prevent the spread of mosquitoes and waterborne diseases.

Town Clerk, Royston King, reported to the Council this week that the issue is engaging the municipality’s attention.

“We have a number of squatters on the school land and they are facilitating overtopping in that yard which is not a good thing, particularly when we take into account that we are having heavy rains,” King noted.

Just recently, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), urged

squatters to commence the process of land ownership before the agency rolls out its action plan against illegal occupancy.

This plan is expected to commence before year-end.

The authority has reported that of the approximately 1200 illegal occupants squatting within Georgetown, at least 400 have been interviewed with the intention of initiating the process to land and homeownership.

CH&PA Community Development Director, Gladwin Charles, told reporters that squatting remains a major concern and challenge to the housing department, resulting in the drafting of an action plan that will see their removal, particularly in critical zones within the City.

“This year, we are looking to have our action plan completed… And even before then, persons must come in to start the process,” Charles said, adding that of the 400 squatters already interviewed, 198 have received house lots.

Outside of this, he said, 350 property titles are being processed and 185 have al-

ready been completed.

Charles said whereas in the past squatters erected temporary shelters or shacks, the new breed are building better structures in the hope that by so doing, they will pre-qualify for a home when it is time for them to be removed.

CH&PA Operations Director, Denise King-Tudor, has said CH&PA has registered 3000 persons to obtain housing solutions following the recently held Housing Expo which introduced duplex houses to Guyana.

The authority for this year targeted 2000 persons for property access, and thus far, 355 potential homeowners have accessed housing solutions, while another 1855 persons have accessed titles for their properties, which included existing properties that required remedial work.

Tudor said to meet the authority’s target would depend on the availability of property since the government will construct and issue over 700 housing units this year, along with house lots.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

Underground economy on the retreat – GTUC THE GUYANA Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has recognised the near collapse of the underground economy here, but it is calling on the administration to institute an economic programmne to realise increase and expansion of wealth for citizens.

In a statement dealing with a wide range of issues, the GTUC said the administration must recognise it has a responsibility to institute an economic programmne to realise increase and expansion of wealth for citizens.

“Willy-nilly approaches to give impression an economic plan exists will not do,” the umbrella trade union body said. It added that since the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), instituted during the Desmond Hoyte Administration, Guyana has not had the benefit of similar programme. “Thankfully the underground economy is on the retreat but government must establish a programme for legitimate wealth to flow and stem the deepening of economic woes.”

The union also complained that several attempts to engage Government consistent with Articles 38 and 149C of the Guyana Constitution continue to be ignored.

“GTUC in exercising its responsibility to society, shall speak out stridently on issues of national import that impact governance and the workers’ welfare-past, present and potential. The federation shall continue the rejection of the Bharrat Jagdeo/Donald Ramotar exclusionary governance, given it conflicts with the Principal Objective of the political system outlined in Article 13. APNU and AFC, in Opposition, condemned this unconstitutional management, campaigned on and committed to uphold the said Article, which remains critical for stability and nation building. Government is

being put on notice that since the State was designed to be managed by the Rule Of Law it would be held accountable for ensuring so.”

AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT Acknowledging that the areas of improvement in governance by the two-year old APNU+AFC Administration are noted, the GTUC said at the same time it desires not partial/selective improvement in performance or enforcement of laws, but full compliance to the principles of good governance and respect for the Guyana Constitution and Laws. “GTUC notes with concern the hodge podge and reckless approaches in decision-making. Several instances show clear absence of issues being well thought out, mindful of the impact on society- political, cultural, social and economic. Such conduct will not redound to the benefit of all, nor create conducive atmosphere for social cohesion to thrive.

Social cohesion cannot thrive where there remains exclusion, un-necessary conflicts, disregard for time-honoured principles, laws, international conventions and charters.

National unity, inclusionary democracy and the promised “Good Life” won’t be for all governing by command, gut-feelings, sectional and self-interest.”

Additionally, the union said the country’s natural resources belong to the people and must be exploited for their benefit and where possible their direct involvement respected. “GTUC is concerned about Government’s engagement with China with the aim of investing in our gold industry, given its track record. GTUC is not opposed to foreign investors but to the preferential treatment given for the exploitation of our resources, while Guyanese are denied opportuni-

General Secretary of the GTUC, Lincoln Lewis

ties to do so. The syndicate miners are protesting to get access to land for their own economic survival and are being ignored by Government. The Chinese’s track record in Marriott, BaiShanLin (forestry and gold), and the construction of the over US$200M Skeldon Factory, which is a white elephant, requiring tens of millions to repair, cannot be ignored.

Guyanese continue to get the short end of skewed investments and have to suffer the consequences, including repayment of laws, agreements violated, and local workers denied employment,” GTUC contended.

The union calls for meaningful public engagement on the future of the oil and natural gas industry, noting that it is not enough to have public advertisement inviting people to meetings. “There must be serious approach that includes Government, Opposition, Business, Trade Union and other stakeholders in national conversations on how this industry will be developed, resources exploited, and laws put in place for citizens/workers’ benefit. Government must not be allowed to singularly make decisions on this major development.”

Minibus conductor charged with larceny A MINIBUS conductor appeared before City Magistrate, Fabayo Azore, at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court, charged with four counts of simple larceny.

Rico Persaud, 24, of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, did not have legal representation and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Particulars of the first charge alleged that on June 10, 2017 at Oronoque and Lance Gibbs Street, Georgetown, Persaud stole a laptop valued $85,000 from

Mohammed Nasir.

It is further alleged that Persaud on March 12, at Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown stole a Sony Xperia cellphone valued $150,000 from Angelique Parag. Additionally, it is alleged that on May 20 at the Marriott Hotel, Persaud stole a Samsung S7 Edge cellphone valued $140,000 and $50,000 cash, property of Bahrajnee Shivpaul.

It is also alleged that on the same day and location,

the accused stole a Samsung S7 Edge cellphone valued $140,000, property of Dookie Amad. Police Prosecutor, Simone Payne objected to Persaud being released on bail based on the seriousness and prevalence of the offences.

The Magistrate however overruled the prosecution’s objections and granted Persaud $35,000 bail on each of the four charges. The matter is adjourned until June 28, 2017.

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183 ranks added to police force

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

A TOTAL of 183 new police constables on Tuesday graduated from the Guyana Police Force, Felix Austin Police College, at the Tactical Services Unit Drill Square, Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, who delivered the feature address at the passing out parade applauded the graduates on their hard work, while commending the force training officers’ who managed to meet the timelines of the course schedule.

Persaud in his address stated that the police force now is vastly different from when he joined many years

The newly-trained police constables

ago. “The police force that we are embarking on now is one that is service-orient-

ed, where decision making has been decentralised right down to frontline levels; one

The top performers posing with senior officers of the GPF on Tuesday after the graduation (Delano Williams photo)

that is accountable, not only collectively but individually”, Persaud said.

The Commissioner of Police explained that the Guyana Police Force will be soon implementing a new budget that will target a number of issues affecting communities. “We are implementing a budget of what we refer to as team policing; so tomorrow when you join the stations, you will be joining teams

that have the responsibilities to police geographic areas within those police station districts”.

Persaud explained that all officers will now have to make report on activities on a forth nightly basis, as a result, all will be accountable for every decision made. He further stated that no effort will go unnoticed, since in the future persons will be awarded incentives as pro-

motions, monetary awards and others.

Also giving a report on the courses’, Inspector J. Percival stated that the students were not only exposed to rigorous trainings, but also a collection of classroom trainings.

Among the graduates were 143 students from the recruit course and a total of 40 students from the conversion course.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

City Council wants to be informed

– of works being undertaken by Public Infrastructure Ministry in City

By Telesha Ramnarine TOWN Clerk Royston King has complained that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure continues to do works in the City without properly informing the municipality.

To better allow the Council to participate in the planning and execution of projects in Georgetown, King said he felt obligated to write the permanent secretary within the Ministry to request an arrangement be put in place.

“I have noticed that there is a number of projects, infrastructural and other works that are happening in various parts of the City without any reference to the City and that it is unfair to councillors who are representatives of their people, and it is very untidy for our own record-keeping systems at Council,” King told City councillors.

He said if works are being done in the Council’s jurisdiction, it should be properly informed of such and not in a by-the-way fashion.

“As we speak, there is the construction of a walkway or

The Woolford Avenue walkway that Town Clerk, Royston King, referred to that is being constructed without the Council’s knowledge

pavement at Woolford Avenue, which of course is a very

good project and will benefit citizens and school children,

but the Council has no information on that project. We

don’t know who the contractor is; we have no drawings; we

don’t know the dimensions; we don’t know the timelines; we don’t know the completion dates; we don’t know anything, so that in our records, we don’t have any information as regards that facility that is being constructed, and a number of other facilities.”

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen said she was happy that this issue was raised because often times when she contacts City Engineer, Colvern Venture, for information on various projects, he has no information on them.

“At the end of the day, whichever institution assists us, we still have to be the ones to do maintenance. We need to be informed and respected as a municipality because at the end of the day the councillors involved still have to answer to the people,” the mayor observed.

Venture had recently told the Council that in a conversation he had with Minister David Patterson, he raised the issue of works being done in the City without the knowledge of the Council.

Miner remanded on drug trafficking charge A MINER was on Wednesday remanded to prison by City Magistrate, Judy Latchman on a drug trafficking

charge.

It is alleged that Junior Stephens, 31, on June 11, 2017 at Fifth Avenue, Bartica, had

554 grams of cannabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. Stephens did not have legal representation and

pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves, told the court that on the day in question, Sergeant

English, who is stationed at the Bartica Police Station, was in an unmarked motor vehicle observing the defendant, who was

Junior Stephens

spotted with two red haversacks in his hand.

Gonsalves further explained that the Sergeant alerted ranks at the station and requested back up. The court heard that while the senior officer was waiting for backup, he saw when the defendant hid the haversacks. The haversacks were retrieved by the police in the presence of Stephens and the narcotics were found inside.

The prosecutor objected to Stephens being released on bail based on the seriousness of the offence. The Magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded Stephens until June 27, 2017 when he will appear before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

Five diplomats appointed to Guyana

CABINET has approved the appointment of five diplomats accredited to Guyana from Israel, Germany, Pakistan and Thailand.

The appointees include: Non-Resident Ambassador of the State of Israel, Gil Artzyeli; Non-Resident Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Holger Wilfred Michael; Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, Ralf Hemsing; Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Najm us Saqib and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand, Surasak Suparat.

A release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Guyana noted that Ambassador Artzyeli is a career diplomat who worked in several positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem. Gil held numerous diplomatic posts in Bogotá, Colombia; Madrid, Spain; Mexico; and in Los Angeles, United States of America. He will reside in Panama.

Present diplomatic relations with Israel were established on March 9, 1992. The appointment of Ambassador Artzyeli is expected to further enhance Guyana’s cooperation with the State of Israel in education, health, agriculture, technology and investment.

Cabinet approved the appointed two diplomats from Germany, a Non-resident Ambassador and an Honorary Consul. Non-Resident Ambassador of the Federal Repub-

Non-Resident Ambassador of the State of Israel, Gil Artzyeli

lic of Germany to Guyana, Holger Wilfred Michael worked in various German Missions including Turkey, Nicaragua, Bonn, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Bangladesh, and most recently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ambassador Michael will succeed H.E. Dr Lutz Görgens and will reside in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

Diplomatic relations with Germany were established on September 2, 1966 and Guyana has benefited from finance and training for the sustainable management of conservation under the Guyana Protected Areas System (GPAS).

In 2004, 100 percent of Guyana’s foreign debt to Germany was cancelled under a Bilateral Conversion Agreement signed by Guyana and Germany.

Non-Resident Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Holger Wilfred Michael

According to the release, Guyana continues to benefit from training and scholarships and Germany and Guyana continue to support each other’s interests including support for foreign policy. Guyana has signalled its support for Germany’s candidature to the United Nations Security Council for 2019-2020.

Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany, Ralf Hemsing is a German citizen and the operations manager of the National Milling Company of Guyana Incorporated (NAMILCO). He replaces the current Honorary Consul, Mr. Bernend Jan Hendrik Ter Welle.

Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Najm us Saqib will be based in Brasilia, Brazil. Prior to his most recent post as the High

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to Guyana, Surasak Suparat (left)

Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Najm us Saqib

Commissioner of Pakistan in South Africa, High Commissioner Najm us Saqib worked at various missions in Bangladesh, Spain, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Canada and Cuba.

The appointment of the High Commissioner of Pakistan is expected to provide an opportunity for Guyana and Pakistan to advance cooperation at both a bilateral level and within the Commonwealth and organizations where both countries share membership.

Guyana and Pakistan have maintained a relationship at a multilateral level through international bodies such as the Commonwealth and United Nations, since diplomatic relation were established on November 10, 1967.

Ambassador Extraordinary and

Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand, Surasak Suparat, joined the Foreign Service of Thailand in 1983 and he has since worked in Thailand’s missions in Indonesia, the United States of America, Cambodia and South Africa.

Guyana and Thailand established diplomatic relations on December 17, 1987. Since then, both countries have collaborated in international organizations such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the G-77 and China.

Presently, the highly decorated Ambassador is serving as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Thailand to the Federative Republic of Brazil. The Ambassador will be based in Brasilia, Brazil.

Business-to-business ‘expo’ billed for 2018 THE Ministry of Business has established a Steering Committee which will be responsible for a major biennial business-to-business engagement in 2018, a release noted.

The event, which is yet to be officially named, is geared to providing sustainable markets for export-ready products; providing opportunities for foreign companies to partner with local companies and also providing opportunities for green field ventures, among other outcomes.

According to the release, the event is designed to contribute positively to export earnings for Guyana, capacity of local businesses and general growth and development of the business sector. The key objectives are to promote packaged investment opportunities for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI); link export-ready firms to export-markets;

create opportunities for foreign investors to partner with local businesses; and to highlight Guyana as a good place to do business.

The idea for the initiative emerged out of consultations on the future of GUYEXPO. These consultations, including a workshop held in February 2017, were facilitated by representatives of the Caribbean Export Development Association (CEDA) and Jamaica Investment Promotions (JAMPRO) and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce. Local stakeholders included the Ministry of Business, the GUYEXPO Planning Committee, the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA), Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and other local business leaders.

GUYEXPO, which was introduced in 1995, was initially under consideration

to be redesigned but recommendations coming out of the consultations were for GUYEXPO to maintain in its current business-to-consumer format since it was now an established brand,

and given the expectations of the private sector.

The Steering Committee includes: CEO of GO-INVEST, Owen Verwey; Coordinator of the National Exhibition

Centre, Tameca Sukdeo-Singh; CEO Small Business Bureau, Lovell Porter; First Vice President, Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association, Ramsey Ali;

Director, Guyana Tourism Authority, Indranauth Singh; Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, and Vice Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Desmond Sears.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

Guyanese to receive Young Leaders Award from British Queen HER Majesty The Queen will present a Queen’s Young Leaders Award to an exceptional young person from Guyana at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London at the end of the month.

The award celebrates inspiring young people from all over the Commonwealth

who are dedicated to driving change in their communities and beyond. This year’s Award winner, Samantha Sheoprashad, 27, from Georgetown, has been chosen in recognition of her work with disadvantaged communities in Guyana.

Samantha will be repre-

senting Guyana as she joins winners from across the Commonwealth in the UK for a programme of inspiring meetings, networking opportunities and bespoke training and mentoring, all designed to help them to develop as leaders and work with ever greater impact to transform

people’s lives.

Selected from a competitive process where thousands of young people from all over the Commonwealth applied to be a Queen’s Young Leader, Samantha Sheoprashad said: “I’m really excited to meet all the other Queen’s Young Leaders for the first time and

hear more about the work they are doing to help people in their community.”

The 2017 Queen’s Young Leaders Award winners are working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of issues from tackling bullying in schools, to preserving the environment, to promoting gender Samantha Sheoprashad equality.

Before receiving Leaders to come together for their Queen’s Young Lead- the first time, to foster parters Award at Buckingham nerships and share ideas about Palace, the winners will visit how they can work together 10 Downing Street, as well as a group to improve peoas take part in masterclasses ple’s lives all over the Comat the BBC World Service monwealth. We are delighted and the UK headquarters of that these young people are global social media com- being recognised for their pany, Facebook. They will life-changing work by Her also meet the Commonwealth Majesty The Queen and we Secretary-General, take part in hope that their time in the UK workshops at the University will inspire and enable them to of Cambridge, meet senior pursue their work for others on executives from some of the an ever greater scale.”

UK’s leading organisations The Queen Elizabeth Diand visit projects that are amond Jubilee Trust, in partchanging the lives of vulner- nership with Comic Relief and able people in the UK. The Royal Commonwealth The programme will fin- Society, has established The ish with the launch of the final Queen’s Young Leaders Proever search for the Queen’s gramme in honour of Her MajYoung Leaders. The appli- esty The Queen’s 60 years of cation process to become a service to the Commonwealth Queen’s Young Leader of at the time of her Diamond Ju2018 opens at 09:00 p.m. bilee. Guided by the values of BST on Thursday 29th June the Commonwealth Charter, 2017, and this year is the the goal of the Programme last chance for young peo- is to enable young people to ple to apply to become a step up as leaders and improve Queen’s Young Leader. The the lives of people across the programme is looking for peo- Commonwealth. ple aged between 18 and 29 Each year from 2014 to who are dedicated to creating 2018, 60 exceptional young positive changes to the lives people will be selected to of people in Guyana to join receive a Queen’s Young this important community of Leaders Award and become change-makers from across ‘Queen’s Young Leaders’ – the Commonwealth. one for every year that The Dr Astrid Bonfield CBE, Queen had served as Head Chief Executive of The Queen of the Commonwealth at the Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee time of her Diamond JubiTrust said: “The Queen’s lee. As part of the Award, Young Leaders of 2017 are winners will receive bespoke doing truly remarkable work mentoring and online learnwithin their communities. ing provided by the UniverTheir actions are having a sity of Cambridge’s Institute positive impact not only on of Continuing Education. those around them but also Award winners will attend by setting in motion positive a residential programme in change that will last for gener- the UK in June, when they ations to come. The residential will receive their Award at programme is an opportunity Buckingham Palace from for the 2017 Queen’s Young Her Majesty The Queen.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

Mutually beneficial

– Falkland Islands willing to share information with Guyana ahead of oil production

By Ravin Singh AUTHORITIES in Falkland Islands are willing to share information about oil and gas exploration with Guyana, as both countries prepare for production by 2020.

This is according to Ian Hansen, a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands who is presently in Guyana. He was at the time speaking at a press conference hosted

by Greg Quinn, the United Kingdom’s (UK) High Commissioner to Guyana.

Quinn, who weighed in at a minimum, offered that Guyana and Falkland Islands share similarities in their recent oil find. Among them are that both countries are drilling about 150 miles offshore; drilling is being done in deep-water and there are similar considerations about a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), local content and protection of the environment. Both countries are involved in territorial

UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, (left) and Ian Hansen, a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Falkland Islands

controversy with Venezuela laying claims to a large portion of Guyana and Argentina claiming the Falklands as theirs.

However, the High Commissioner announced that the find so far in Falkland Islands is estimated at 300 million barrels. Several studies online indicate though that this amount could reach about one billion barrels.

Guyana’s find of 1.4 billion

barrels so far is estimated as the largest in this part of the hemisphere in recent times.

And, because the two countries find themselves in a similar situation at the similar time, Hansen contended that it would be beneficial if the two countries shared information – an offer Falkland Islands remain open to.

“It’s interesting that both Guyana and Falkland Is-

Marudi Gold Project rakes in US$1M from 910 ozs GUYANA Goldstrike Inc. has announced that some 910 ounces (ozs) of gold has been mined and recovered by local small-scale alluvial miners on the Marudi Gold Project, which raked in over US$1M in sales.

“We are very proud of our accomplishments over such a short period of time,” President and CEO, Peter Berdusco, said in a statement. He added: “With the full support of the government and the local communities, the artisanal miners now have the opportunity to create income in an environment that adheres to acceptable mining practices.”

“Further to this, it allows us to immediately generate sales from alluvial areas that generally fall outside our potential mining model or area of interest. This definitely makes it a win-win for everyone involved.”

Through a cooperative agreement, small miners have been given company-controlled access with company oversight to work the alluvial areas (creeks, edges and new channels) of the property and, also the alluvial tailings that had been previously mined by

artisanal miners. The company said a stipulation of the agreement is the requirement that the small miners incorporate only those mining practices acceptable to the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) of Guyana. As a result of their efforts the company has successfully poured its first dore bars and sold those bars to the Guyana Gold Board.

Under the agreement the small miners pay the company a 10 percent royalty on all gold mined from the property. In the five months ending March 31, the small miners recovered approximately 910 ozs of gold from mineralised material mined from the property’s alluvial areas and artisanal alluvial tailings. This resulted in 90.9 ozs/Au paid to Guyana Goldstrike in royalties. Company staff and security monitor the activities of the artisanal miners.

The company said it sold its 90.9 ozs/Au to the Guyana Gold Board for a price of 1266.45/ozs and for a net sale of US$106,490.00 USD after smelting costs and a five percent royalty, which was paid to the Government of Guyana. The gold was assayed at 97 percent purity.

This alluvial mining activity is expected to continue fol-

lowing the end of the rainy season in June. The decision to allow artisanal miners to commence small scale mining on alluvial areas of the property was a decision solely based on corporate social responsibility. The mining of gold from the property by the artisanal miners has not been based on a feasibility study, nor are there any mineral resources or reserves identified in the area which is subject to the artisanal mining. The decision to mine is one made by the artisanal miners and the company acknowledges that there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with the actions of the artisanal miners.

The Marudi Gold Project, a permitted mining license consisting of approximately 13,500 hectares, is located 230 kilometres (Km) from the town of Lethem in southern Guyana.

The property has good infrastructure with all season road access mainly through open savannah. The property was acquired in 1998

by Vanessa Ventures from Sutton Resources/Barrick, and then further acquired

by Guyana Frontier Mining where the project was partially funded by Teck Resources.

lands are at the same place at this point in time in relation to oil exploration. I think it would be advantageous to both our countries to compare notes to see where we are; to see if one of us has missed something,” he offered.

He said that his country would not have a problem sharing information with Guyana since there is no secret to hide and reciprocation will also benefit them.

“Yes, obviously we stand ready to share information that we have with Guyana because there is nothing to hide. There is no secret. Whatever we have learnt through consultancy, we can share that with Guyana to help in whatever way we can,” the Legislative

Assembly member said.

Hansen was keen to note however, that the only information which would be kept private are the agreements between the countries and the exploration companies.

Asked about the progress Falkland Islands has made in its preparatory works, the visiting official shared that “significant efforts” have been made to explore oil producing countries like Norway, to see and adopt best practices.

Like Guyana, he said that efforts are also being made to create SWF, which looks similar to the one in Norway. He contended that that country has the best model of a SWF and that is why his country opted to replicate it.

In relation to other preparatory works, Hansen explained that Falklands have had to produce a huge amount of legislation over the last five years to ensure we have every area covered; and examine the environmental impact, which he said should be extremely important to both countries.

With a population of less than 4, 000, the visiting official acknowledged that his country lacks the technical capacity to fully spearhead the oil and gas exploration.

As such, he said that the country “has gone worldwide to get support”.

“We spend a lot of money on getting support from countries with experience in the oil and gas sector,” Hansen added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

FAO plugs sustainable food feeding programme The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Government of Guyana on Wednesday hosted a panel discussion on the implementation of the Sustainable School Feeding Program in the framework of the zero hunger initiative in Guyana.

The discussion was spearheaded by FAO representative to Guyana, Reuben Robertson who explained that the FAO is working with the government to create more awareness in what to do with food and nutrition security, and some of the vehicles to use collectively to achieve its objective.

In attendance were First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger; Senior and Junior ministers of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and Dr Karen Cummings;and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, among other officials.

Robertson stated that Guyana, compared to other CARICOM countries, is seen as the country with the most potential for the flight of the school feeding program; despite several issues the country faces.

“Guyana is perhaps, if not the only, among the few that is food self- sufficient; it is a net food exporter. But there is a dichotomy, in the sense that while we have all these potentials and things

happening; there are a multiplicity of problems like poverty, unemployment, undernourishment, overweight and obesity and NCDs”.

Robertson noted that Guyana is the leading country with respect to food production and food sustainability compared to other countries. According to the FAO representative in his presentation,the government of Guyana and its stakeholders have recognised the need to address the issues and have taken plausible steps to achieve them”.

As a result, he said government has made several global commitments which includes signing on to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 Agenda, and the country implementation plan of the FAO (which is in progress), Signing on to the Paris agreement on Climate Change to achieve a green state by 2025, and signing on to the International Convention on Nutrition to achieve SDGs, among others.

“Sustainable School Feeding Nutritional programs and SDGs are important components of countries’ social policy, and can contribute directly to the eradication of poverty”, said Robertson. The sustainable School Feeding Program is seen as a vehicle to zero hunger and poverty in Guyana.

Ministers of Public Health, Agriculture, Social Protection and Social Cohesion all voiced their concerns about the factors to be taken into consideration in moving forward with such an initiative. The ministers all supported the idea of a Sustainable School Feeding programme and vowed to work towards making the initiative a government policy.

Robertson’s presentation highlighted that it is a fundamental right for every citizen to have access to food as recognised by the United Nations. He said that School Feeding can be the core of government’s policies to eliminate hunger countrywide. “Why are nutrition sensitive interventions important at schools? This is where we want to ground the sustainable School Feeding, having looked at the challenges, some of the opportunities, what we have committed ourselves to and the multi-disciplinary inter-sectoral, multi-dimensional nature. We want to see how School Feeding really fits into all of this and we are saying here that malnutrition is a global challenge and in Guyana undernourishment is greater than ten per cent.”

The FAO Representative said.

Representatives from the Ministry of Education outlined that there are at least

five activities executed by the ministry under its school feeding programme. This programme currently provides one healthy meal for at least 22,000 students in 158 schools across Guyana.

These activities include the Breakfast programme, the juice and biscuit for students along the coastland areas, the Dora feeding programme on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, the peanut butter and cassava bread programme in Region Nine and the community based

school feeding programme in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

The Ministers of Public Health indicated that the ministry will remain committed to ensure that the quality of meals provided are healthy and are of the right standard which will guarantee total health of children.

Meanwhile, work is continuing to have Food Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) which will promote a balanced diet;

represented by the six food groups: staples, vegetables, fruits, legumes, animals and fats. Some of the benefits of a sustainable school feeding programme include stronger inter-sectoral co-ordination, development of children’s cognitive skills, encourages at least one healthy meal, promotion of domestic food systems, job creation, elimination of hunger and most importantly poverty reduction.

Kitty woman accused of forging dead husband’s will LILOUTIE Prasad appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, charged with forging her dead husband’s Will and uttering it to the Deeds Registry.

Prasad, 49, of DaSilva Street, Kitty, pleaded not guilty to the fraud charge, which alleged that on December 11, 2015, at Charlotte Street, Georgetown with intent to defraud, she uttered the forged Will of Sase Narine Ram-Saywack to the Deeds Registry.

Police Prosecutor, Shawn

Gonsalves said the woman was in a common-law relationship with Ram-Saywack, who is now deceased and who was the owner of a property located at DaSilva Street, Kitty.

However, the man has a son, who reported to the police that the woman had in her possession the will and testament of his father. The court heard that the father had reportedly left the property for his son but the woman changed the documents in favour of herself.

The Magistrate released Liloutie on $200,000 bail af-

Liloutie Prasad

ter the prosecution did not object to bail. The matter is adjourned until June 30, 2017 for statements.

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fulfils the requirements of the Federation. (3) Membership is terminated by resignation or expulsion. Loss of membership does not relieve the Member from its financial obligations towards the Federation or other Members, but leads to cancellation of all rights in relation to the Federation.”

Forde, speaking with Chronicle Sport yesterday when asked about the teams being both members of the Association and the GFF, explained, “We’re (the GFF), awaiting word from FIFA and CONCACAF with regard to the clubs’ membership (with the GFF) and that’s expected in the coming week.”

After the teams had withdrawn from participating in the STAG Elite League, the GFF used Article; 13,1a and 13,1c of the constitution to validate their relegation.

Article 13, which speaks of Members’ Obligation, states members are required to “comply fully with the Statutes/

Constitution, regulations, directives and decisions of FIFA, CONCACAF and the Federation at all times and to ensure by a statutory clause that these are also respected by its Affiliates; b) to ensure the election of its decision-making bodies at least every four years; c) to take part in competitions (if applicable) or other sporting activities organised/approved by the Federation.”

The next major activities of the Association are the GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson National U-15 tournament and the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National U-17 tournament - the latter scheduled to begin this weekend.

These competitions will afford the youth players from the respective clubs the much-needed opportunity to be engaged in active football.

Further, the senior team will be allowed to participate in the Association’s tournaments and compete to regain their position in the STAG Elite League.

Rain hurts Windies ...

Continued from back page

on September 30 will be locked in to play the showpiece event in England - and with Bangladesh making the semi-final of the Champions Trophy and Pakistan going one better to secure a spot in the final, they will likely widen the gap between themselves and the No. 9 ranked West Indies. The international teams that don’t make the cut must then participate in a gruelling qualifying tournament in April 2018, when 10 contenders, including the best of the Associate nations, fight for two spots.

“But we can’t be focussed on that,” Law said. “We have to be up for this contest, and then the next series against India. If we can win a couple of games, and then a couple against England, I’m sure we can climb the ladder. Whether or not we get direct entry into the World Cup, I’m not sure.”

West Indies had begun the series on 79 points. Even if they had won it today, they still would have lost a point.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

Manchester United complete Lindelof signing (REUTERS) - Manchester United have completed the signing of Sweden defender Victor Lindelof from Portuguese champions Benfica on a four-year contract with the option of extending it by another year, the Premier League club said yesterday.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce the signing of Victor Lindelof from Benfica from July 1, 2017,” the winners of a record 20 English titles said on their official website.

“The 22-year-old Swedish international centre back is a versatile defender and

will make his debut on the summer tour of the USA in July.”

Lindelof, who Benfica said would join United for a fee of 35 million euros (£30.83 million), is manager Jose Mourinho’s first close-season signing after winning the Europa League last month to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Mourinho, who also lifted the League Cup but finished a disappointing sixth in the Premier League, was delighted to have bolstered United’s defence.

“Victor is a very talent-

ed young player, who has a great future ahead of him at United,” said Mourinho.

“Our season last year showed us that we need options and quality to add depth to the squad and Victor is the first to join us this summer. I know that our fantastic group of players will welcome him as one of us.”

Lindelof cut his teeth as a teenager at third-tier Swedish outfit Vasteras SK, a small club based some 100 kilometres outside Stockholm where he made his senior debut in 2010.

He signed a five-year deal with Benfica’s B team

Jamaican hurdler Spencer cleared of anti-doping rule violation

By Kayon Raynor

KINGSTON, Jamaica (Reuters) - Jamaica’s Kaliese Spencer, the 2014 Commonwealth Games 400 metres hurdles champion, was on Tuesday cleared of an anti-doping rule violation by an in-

cer, evaded a sample collection pursuant to article 2.3 of the 2015 Anti-Doping Rules,” the written decision of the panel read.

“In the circumstances the athlete did not commit an anti-doping violation to article 2.3 and thus no sanction can be imposed by the

Women’s 400m - Kaliese Spencer of Jamaica (Mandatory Credit: Action Images/Steven Paston)

dependent disciplinary panel.

The decision means Spencer, who faced a fouryear ban on charges that she refused or evaded a drug test on April 27 2016 at her training base, can resume competing immediately.

“The independent anti-doping disciplinary panel is not persuaded to the standard of proof on the evidence presented that the athlete, Ms Spen-

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The independent anti-doping disciplinary panel on said athlete, Miss Kaliese Spencer,” the three-member panel ruled.

The panel decided that the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO), who brought the charges, could not prove that 30-year-old Spencer had been properly notified under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules that she was required for testing.

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The decision means the 2009 world championship 4x400m relay silver medallist can compete in Jamaica’s National Senior Championship (June 22-25), which will be used to select the Caribbean island’s team for the August 4-13 worlds in London.

Spencer, who was represented by American Paul Greene, had denied the charges. The panel awarded Spencer costs.

“I’m elated for Kaliese.

This has been a very trying three months for her,” Greene told Reuters via telephone.

“In my opinion the case should have never been brought, the provisional suspension should have never been imposed because there was no evidence she did anything wrong and the decision vindicated her today, and proved to Jamaica that Kaliese is innocent and never did anything wrong,” he added.

“I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that they (JADCO) actually brought this case ... and hopefully next time they’ll think twice before bringing a case without evidence,” he added.

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Sweden’s Victor Lindelof in action.

(REUTERS/John Sibley)

in December 2011 and joined them in the summer of 2012.

After three years he moved up to the A team and has not looked back

since, winning three Portuguese league titles, playing in the Champions League and making his international debut against Turkey in

March 2016.

“I am thrilled to be joining Manchester United,” said the defender, who is a superb reader of the game, strong in the tackle and able to pass the ball when he wins possession.

“I have enjoyed my time at Benfica enormously and I have learnt a lot there. But I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League at Old Trafford and for Jose Mourinho.

“I’m keen to get started and make my contribution to the team’s efforts to win more trophies.”

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

Champions Trophy semi-final

Kohli calls for complete focus against ‘dangerous’ opponents Bangladesh (REUTERS) - India captain Virat Kohli shrugged off concerns about his team’s lower-middle order ahead of their Champions Trophy semi-final with Bangladesh today and called for complete focus against their “dangerous” opponents.

India’s top order were solid in group-stage victories over Pakistan and South Africa, meaning the likes of Hardik Pandya, Kedar Jadhav and Ravindra Jadeja have not really been tested apart from during the defeat by Sri Lanka.

The trio did not bat against South Africa and Jadeja has not faced a ball in the tournament, leading to concerns about what might

happen if the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Kohli, Yuvraj Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni fail to fire.

“As a batsman you want to finish off games,” Kohli told a news conference yesterday.

“You are not necessarily going to get out thinking ‘my middle order has not got enough game time’.

“We know Kedar and Hardik are playing really well at the moment so we are not bothered at all.”

Kohli said India would field the same team that pulled off a comprehensive eight-wicket win over South Africa in their last match, meaning spinner Ravichan-

dran Ashwin will keep his place at the expense of pace bowler Umesh Yadav.

the past few years to the point where they are now one game away from reaching a first

India captain Virat Kohli

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza

The skipper also warned his team not to underestimate Bangladesh, a team who have improved dramatically over

final at an ICC event.

“It’s no surprise anymore to anyone that they are doing really well,” Kohli

added. “They are a very dangerous side on their day and everyone realises that ...

Bangladesh have taken huge strides.”

Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza urged his team not to let the hype surrounding the match get to them.

“Our plan was always to take it match by match,” he said. “I think if everyone approaches the semi-final as just another match, it will be good for the team.

“There will be a lot of hype around this game ... but our first task is to stay relaxed and play.”

Mortaza said Bangladesh would need to adapt to the

conditions at Edgbaston, a venue they have not played at yet during the tournament.

“The wicket looks the same as the one at The Oval,” he added. “It could be tough, but the truth is we will have to adjust to playing on it no matter what shape it is in.”

The Bangladesh skipper also dismissed concerns that the pressure of the occasion could get to his side.

“If you talk about pressure, I think India have more pressure than we. Because huge population is there and the people love cricket a lot,” he said. “Both teams have a lot of expectations.”

Automatic World Cup spot slipping away for Windies LONDON, England (CMC) – West Indies’ chances of earning automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup took another damaging blow when they dropped two rating points in the latest ICC One-Day International rankings released on Tuesday.

The Caribbean side dropped from 79 points to 77 following their stunning 63-run defeat to minnows Afghanistan last Friday, in the opening ODI of the ongoing three-match series currently locked at 1-1.

Even if West Indies had won yesterday’s decider at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia, they will gain only one point, with ODI series remaining against powerhouse India later this month and England in September.

Hosts England, along with the next top seven-ranked sides in the world, will earn automatic qualification for the World Cup, with the remaining sides entering a qualifying tournament to determine the last two available berths West Indies are currently ranked number nine and to add insult to injury, number eight-ranked Pakistan have gained three points to

move to 91, following victories over the highly-ranked South Africa and Sri Lanka in the ongoing Champions Trophy in England.

Pakistan’s lead over West Indies is now 14 points leaving the former World champions with a huge gap to make up by the World Cup qualification cutoff date of September 30.

The embattled Windies are expected to face a stern challenge when they take on India from June 23 to July 6 in a five-match series in the Caribbean.

They also travel to England for a similar five-match series September 19-29.

Top-ranked South Africa, meanwhile, dropped three

points but remained in pole position while Australia and India continued second and third respectively.

England have gained two points and moved into fourth place, overtaking New Zealand who dropped three points into fifth.

LATEST ICC ONE-DAY

INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS:

1. South Africa 119 2. Australia 117 3. India 117 4. England 114 5. New Zealand 111 6. Bangladesh 95 7. Sri Lanka 93 8. Pakistan 91 9. West Indies 77 10. Afghanistan 54 11. Zimbabwe 46 12. Ireland 41

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday June 15, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 63 runs (2) New Zealand Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has taken most ODI wickets for Afghanistan to date?

(2) Australia failed to win any games in the ICC Champions

Trophy 2017. How many did they lose?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Haye fined for misconduct around Bellew fight (REUTERS)-Britain’s boxing body fined former world heavyweight champion David Haye 25,000 pounds on Wednesday for his conduct in the build-up to his defeat by underdog Tony Bellew in London last March.

“Mr. Haye admitted that his behaviour amounted to misconduct and brought boxing into disrepute,” the British Boxing Board of Control said in a statement.

The buildup to the fight had been marked by intense news conferences and heated trash-talk between the two British fighters.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

Ruthless Pakistan overwhelm shell-shocked England

Fakhar Zaman makes his second consecutive fifty.

By Ed Osmond | CARDIFF, UK (Reuters) - Pakistan delivered an inspired all-round performance to rout a ragged England team by eight wickets in a one-sided Champions Trophy semi-final yesterday.

Pakistan bowled and fielded tightly to restrict the hosts to a paltry total of 211 all out and the lowest-ranked team in the tournament knocked off the runs in style with a massive 12.5 overs to spare.

It was a major disappointment for England, who won

all three group matches in their bid to claim a first global 50-over title and had beaten Pakistan in 12 of their last 14 one-day internationals.

They collapsed, however, on a sluggish pitch from 128 for two in sunny conditions, which normally favour batsmen, and the bowlers failed to repair the damage as Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali shared a stand of 118 to lead Pakistan to their target.

“One thing we didn’t do was adapt to conditions, which I thought Pakistan did extremely well,” England

captain Eoin Morgan said.

“Full credit to them, they outplayed us on this wicket.

211 wasn’t a good score.

250/270 would have been.”

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and England openers Alex Hales and Jonny Bairstow, replacing the out-of-form Jason Roy, made a solid enough start.

Hitting boundaries proved difficult, however, and a clearly frustrated Hales, on 13, spooned Rumman Raees to cover with a loose drive.

B a i r s t o w, d r o p p e d twice, accumulated 43 runs

IPA in ‘Big’ John Edwards corner for Pan Am Championship TOP Guyanese powerlifter ‘Big’ John Edwards has received support from International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA) as he prepares to represent the country at the Pan American Powerlifting Championship from July 3 to 10, in Orlando, Florida.

Edwards will suit up against leading powerlifters from around the globe, and IPA said it is enthused

to be in the athlete’s corner, noting that over the years it has sponsored many sporting activities such as Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, Karate and Rugby.

“Besides being a major pharmaceutical distributor, the company strongly believes that sport has a significant economic, political and cultural influence on our society, as it has the unique power to attract,

IPA Chief Executive Officer Reginald Persaud (left), ‘Big’ John Edwards (centre) and Manager of Non-Pharmaceutical Shamieza Yadram display the product under which the athlete’s sponsorship has been given.

mobilise and inspire,” the company said in a statement.

Edwards, under the Universal Nutrition brand distributed by IPA, is the current heavyweight champion (equipped and unequipped) and will be attempting to break the current unequipped bench press world record of 467.5lb, along with the Pan American and Commonwealth records of 529lb and 451lb respectively.

“International Pharmaceutical Agency, along with fans of Mr Edwards, is confident that he will make the country proud and wishes him success throughout the competition,” the company statement concluded.

Edwards expressed appreciation for the support, noting that he is determined to be on the podium brandishing the Golden Arrowhead.

Man-of-the-Match Hasan Ali upsets England’s rhythm with figures of 10-0-35-3.

through good shot placement and quick running between the wickets before he pulled seamer Hasan Ali to Mohammad Hafeez at deep square leg.

Joe Root and Morgan continued to score at about five runs an over but Root, on 46, nicked leg-spinner Shadab Khan to wicketkeeper Sarfraz and Morgan (33) aimed an expansive drive at the lively Hasan and gave Sarfraz another catch to leave England in trouble at 141 for four.

Jos Buttler (4), Moeen Ali (11) and Adil Rashid (7) fell quickly and Ben Stokes,

one of the most destructive batsmen in the world, failed to hit a boundary in a scratchy 34 as the Pakistan bowlers dominated.

Fakhar hit Mark Wood for the first six of the match in the opening over of Pakistan’s innings and he and Azhar played some delightful strokes in a fluent partnership.

Fakhar reached his 50 off 49 balls before being stumped by Buttler off Rashid for 57 but Azhar and Babar Azam calmly continued to milk runs all around the ground as England’s bowlers ran out of ideas.

Azhar, on 76, dragged a delivery from Jake Ball on to his stumps before Babar (38 not out) and Hafeez (31 not out) guided Pakistan home.

“Credit goes to the bowlers and the batters who finished it very well,” Sarfraz said. “We adapted to the conditions, we knew if we restricted them we could easily chase it down.

“Every game is a knockout game and I told my boys to play their game and not worry about the result.”

India play Bangladesh in the second semi-final in Birmingham today.

Rawlins misses out on maiden first-class century ARUNDEL, England, (CMC) – Young Bermudian all-rounder Delray Rawlins narrowly missed out on his maiden firstclass century on Wednes-

Rawlins looked set to reach three figures until he tried to whip a length ball from Dala through square leg and lost his off stump.

Rawlins, who made

Delray Rawlins fell four runs short of a maiden first-class hundred.

day, when he made 96 against South Africa A on day one of a four-day tour match at Arundel Castle.

Rawlins, a 19-year-old left-hander, struck 12 fours and a six from 191 balls in his 232-minute innings before he was bowled by medium pacer Junior Dala as Sussex, who won the toss, closed on 325 for seven.

history earlier this season by becoming the first Bermudian to play county cricket, was sixth out at 289 after adding 172 for the fifth wicket with a fellow 19-yearold, Guernsey-born Jonty Jenner, who made 68, following a pre-lunch collapse which saw four wickets tumble for seven runs.

It was a maiden first-

class half-century for both teenagers.

Willem Mulder, also 19, was the pick of the South African attack with three for 46 from 13 overs.

Rawlins made his first-class debut against Nottinghamshire in April, and hit a quickfire 41 in a rain-hit one-day match for Sussex against South Africa in May, but he has mostly been out of the limelight, making eight appearances for the county’s 2nd XI. An orthodox slow leftarm bowler, Rawlins will hope Monday’s knock will serve as a reminder to the selectors of the ability he showed in India earlier this year as he tries to force his way back into the first team on a regular basis.

Rawlins was a star on the England Under-19 tour of India in January and February, averaging 78.42 with the bat. He struck two centuries and two half-centuries, and also claimed nine wickets.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

AAG still mulling over team selection for SA Seniors … Baird, Archibald, Foster and Perry being considered

By Tamica Garnett THE final team to represent Guyana at the South American (SA) Senior Championships set for two weeks from now in Ecuador, has not yet been selected by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG). However, national men’s javelin record-holder Leslain Baird, and Penn Relays silver medallist jumper Emanuel Archibald are among those being considered.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport yesterday, AAG president Aubrey Hutson confirmed that the selection had not yet been finalised, but noted that the Association is hoping to take about six athletes to the event. As always though, finances will be the defining factor.

“We’re still working on it. It depends heavily on our financial capabilities,” he said.

Pressed about possible

Rupert Perry Leslain Baird

choices, Hutson related that overseas-based Emanuel Archibald and Andrea Foster had indicated their interest to represent and were being considered, while Baird and local sprinter Rupert Perry were also being given some thought.

With the local National Seniors Championships not being held until July 1 -2, and

the South American Senior Championships set for June 23 – 24, Hutson said the athletes will be selected based on how close, in their respective events, they are to the qualifying marks of the World Championships.

“We couldn’t hold trials because of the South American Junior Championships.

So we’re looking to send persons who wish to qualify for World Championships.

Andrea Foster

We’re looking at those athletes whose times are close to the (World Championships) qualifying time and will give them a chance,” Hutson explained.

The National Seniors Championships had originally been set for June 3-4, in time to assess the seniors, and make a selection, before the South American Senior Championships. However, after a late request was made for Guyana

to hold the South American Junior Championships, that event was held on that date instead.

This left the National Seniors being pushed to July, leaving a void of trials for the SASC, and saw the AAG installing this new criterion.

Archibald has been enjoying a notable season thus far, which peaked with his silver medal claim at the Penn Relays men’s long jump clearing 7.47m, while representing his school University of the West Indies.

Archibald was last year awarded a scholarship from the National Sports Commission to attend the University in Jamaica.

However, the World Championships qualifying mark for the men’s long jump is 8.15m. Archibald also participates in the triple jump and dabbles in sprints.

However, even in the triple jump Archibald’s 15m per-

sonal best is some distance from the 16.80m qualifying leap required to make it to the World Championships.

A C A R I F TA G a m e s bronze medallist, Foster is a middle-distance runner studying on a scholarship at Essex College in the USA. Foster has had a SB of 2:11.48s and 4:40.00s respectively in the women’s 800m and 1500m.

For her, she has to bring her times down to 2:01.00s and 4:26.70s to make anywhere near London this August.

In the case of Baird, not even Guyana’s national record of 69.97m in the men’s javelin is far from the 83m the IAAF has set for persons to qualify in this event.

Perry is another sprinter.

However, he has a huge task achieving the 10.12 seconds and 20.44 seconds qualifying marks for events that Jamaica’s Usain Bolt will no doubt dominate when he takes his final race.

BCB warns against Mayweather, UFC star McGregor agree to August fight unscrupulous donation requests

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has issued a missive warning against imposters claiming to collect donations in the name of the entity without authority to do so, as well as against false information circulating about a new executive being installed at a recent elections.

In a press release sent out, the BCB management noted that Angela Haniff, BCB secretary, is the only one authorised to handle donations, and or sponsorships for the organisation, and can be contacted on telephone number 333-2375.

However, unauthorised persons have been soliciting funding and other support in the name of the BCB, under the pretense of hosting cricket tournaments in the Berbice area.

“The cricketing public is therefore urged not to entertain any person/persons seeking donations, sponsorships etc on behalf of the Berbice Cricket Board,” the release said. The release went on to remark that: “Information is also being released of a recent election of the Board and new office-bearers being elected. This is misleading, to say the least, and a total fabrication designed to create confusion and mischief in the management of cricket in Berbice. The Berbice Cricket Board continues to function despite the many hurdles and difficulties in its path from both within and without.”

The BCB did, however, mention that sanctioned activities are still ongoing, including the recent launch of a 50-Over First Division tournament, and Berbice also participated in the recently concluded Inter-county Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 tournaments in which Berbice emerged with flying colours.

The Board will be releasing its schedule of activities shortly.

Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor (REUTERS) - Undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather and mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor - two of the most popular athletes in their respective sport - have agreed to a crossover fight in the ring on August 26 in Las Vegas, Mayweather said in a tweet yesterday.

The fight is expected to gross millions of dollars with Mayweather a solid favourite.

Mayweather, 40, retired in 2015 with an

unblemished 49-0 professional boxing record while boastful Irishman McGregor, 28, is the UFC’s lightweight champion.

“It’s Official!!!” Mayweather wrote on his Twitter account alongside a short video that included still photos of both fighters.

“The fight is on,” McGregor tweeted minutes before Mayweather’s post.

The two fighters have gone back and forth for nearly a year regarding

a potential showdown with both men previously stating they each wanted $100 million for the fight.

Mayweather is widely regarded as one of the best defensive fighters of all-time, and prides himself on his ability to evade punishment with his skilful movements about the ring while making adjustments against opponents on the fly.

McGregor, the UFC’s reigning lightweight champion and former featherweight champi-

on, is known as much for his bravado as for his explosive knockout power inside an MMA octagon.

The Irishman became the first UFC fighter to hold two belts simultaneously when he knocked out Eddie Alvarez in New York last November for the lightweight championship.

The UFC stripped McGregor of his featherweight belt shortly after that fight when he announced he would be taking some time off after he and long-time partner Dee Devlin had their first baby in May. Known for his devastating striking and highlight-reel knockouts, McGregor is also quick and irrational on his feet, but few would back him to beat one of the most complete boxers of all-time.

A win for Mayweather would move him ahead of former heavyweight great Rocky Marciano, who also retired with a perfect 49-0 career record.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, June 15, 2017

Xtreme Clean Futsal tournament semi-finals

Sparta Boss face Albouystown; Tucville play Sophia tonight

By Rawle Toney THE inaugural Xtreme Cleaners/GT Beer Gold Rush Futsal Championship has moved into the semi-finals, and tonight eight teams will seek to stake their claim for the tournament’s $500 000 first-place prize.

At the National Gymnasium, Tucville will tackle Sophia in the first semi-final, while tournament favourites Sparta Boss will come up against Albouystown in a game that many are calling the ‘final’.

Sparta Boss eased into the semi-final with a 3-2 win over Future Stars in the quarter-final on Tuesday.

The team’s marksman Devon Millington four minutes into the contest sent Sparta Boss into the lead, but Jeremy

Garrett responded two minutes later to level the score for Future Stars.

The half ended 1-1 but it was Sheldon Shepherd who broke the deadlock for Sparta

DEMERARA and Berbice were locked in a tight tussle at the end of the second day’s play in the final round of the Guyana Cricket Board/ Hand-in-Hand Under-19 Inter-county three-day tournament.

Berbice, resuming at their overnight 19 for one at the Everest ground, recorded 166 all out. Only Kevin Sinclair with a defiant 97, and Stylus Tyndal batting at number 9 hitting 27 showed any resistance Bowling for Demerara, Keshram Seyhodan grabbed 6 for 67 and Bhaskar Yadram

took 3 for 16, to give Demerara a first-innings lead of 24 runs.

Demerara, in their second innings, set out to build on their advantage but spinner Karan Arjpaul had different ideas. He applied pressure on the Demerara batsmen, sending them from 49 for 2 to 74 for 5, before Ronaldo Ali Mohamed and Roche Looknauth attempted to repair the damage by taking the score to 90.

However, Arjpaul was able to induce a false stroke from Mohamed to have him caughtand-bowled for 16.

Tucville and Back Circle players battle for the ball during Tuesday’s action at the National Gymnasium.

Sparta Boss’ Eusi ‘Boney Man’ Phillips (first from left) is having his way with Future Stars defence during their quarter-final action.

Boss in the 17th minute. However, Keron Solomon found the equaliser in the 26th minute.

As the two sides pushed for the win, it was Eusi Phillips who rifled home the game

winner for Sparta Boss in the 29th minute, to send the usual ‘Kings of Futsal’ through to the semi-finals.

Sparta Boss’ opposition for tonight, Sophia, made light

work of Bent Street in their quarter-final clash, winning 4-2.

Desmond Cottam (5th and 17th) and Omallo Williams (28th and 30th) scored for

Sophia, while Bent Street’s lone goal came off the boot of Orandel Williams in the 25th minute.

Roy Cassou (8th) and Marlon Nedd (12th) helped Albouystown to secure a 2-1 win over Broad Street and Tucville thrashed Back Circle 6-3.

The final of the Xtreme Cleaners/GT Beer Gold Rush Futsal Championship will be played on Saturday. Apart from the $500 000 up for grabs for the winners, the runners-up will receive $200 000 and the respective accolade.

The third- and fourthplace finishers will pocket $100 000 and $50 000 respectively with the corresponding accolade. On the individual side, $50 000 will be awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Arjpaul bags 9 for 22 to put Berbice in strong position Arjpaul continued his excellent bowling, mesmerising the Berbice batsmen to finish the day with the magical figures of 9 for 22 off 21 overs and Demerara struggling on 95 for 9 from 48 overs at the close for a lead 115.

Meanwhile, at the Police Sports Club ground the Select Under-17 were all out for 227, 20 minutes before lunch.

Kevlon Anderson did not add to his overnight score of 101, while Reyaz Khan contributed 33. Pradesh Ballkishun 24 and Nigel Deosaran 22 also added to the total.

Bowling for Essequibo, Mahendra Persaud snared 3 for 34, Joel Fortune 3 for 42 and Lesley Allen 2 for 27.

In reply, Essequibo were struggling at 100 for 9 at the close after 70 overs. Stephan Campbell top-scored with 34, while Mahendra Persaud contributed 21. Off-spinner Ashmead Nedd has bowled 33 overs and taken 4 for 29, and Kevlon Anderson 3 for 5 runs. Pradesh Balkishun and Nigel Deodat also picked up a wicket each.

Play continues today in both matches.

Spirited T&T lose third straight in Costa Rica defeat SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago turned in a gallant effort but it proved insufficient as they went down 2-1 to Costa Rica, to slump to a third straight defeat in the CONCACAF final round of World Cup qualifiers here Tuesday night.

Playing at the Estadio Nacional, the visitors were in the game right to the end but the crucial equaliser never materialised, leaving them with their fifth defeat of the campaign overall and just about out of contention for a spot at the Russia showpiece next year.

They were set back as early as the opening minute when Francisco Calvo scored but roared back when Kevin Molino struck in the 35th minute.

However, Bryan Ruiz netted on the stroke of halftime to dash T&T’s hopes and the second half proved one of frustration.

Head coach Dennis Lawrence said while he was disappointed not to get a positive result, he was pleased with the way T&T had pushed the Central American powerhouses.

“Costa Rica has always been one of the CONCACAF giants. I think we all understand they are a very good team and they have players of a top level,” the former national defender said afterwards.

“What I am most pleased about tonight is that we were able to come out tonight and match Costa Rica stride for stride. Unfortunately we did not get the result we wanted but I gave yeoman credit to my team for the effort that they put in.”

The defeat left T&T bottom of the six-nation stands on just three points from a single win – against Panama in Port of Spain last March.

They are only four points behind the Panamanians who currently occupy the last qualification spot but will need to quickly reverse results heading into the latter half of the competition.

Despite the bleak outlook, Lawrence said T&T would continue to press for their dream of qualification.

“We know points were important tonight. We are going to fight until the end, until it becomes mathemat-

ically impossible for us to qualify,” he stressed.

Having lost five days earlier to the United States in Denver, T&T suffered an early blow just moments after the opening whistle when Calvo escaped his marker in the box to head past Jan Michael Williams, following a right-sided corner.

Undaunted, T&T chased the equaliser with Joevin Jones coming close in the 28th minute with a fine free kick which forced an excellent save out of Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas and Hashim Arcia also testing the custodian minutes later.

However, it was the enterprising Molino who brought the Trinidadians level when he slotted home from the top of the penalty area after being set up by Jones.

The stalemate lasted all of nine minutes as Costa Rica were soon back in front through Ruiz. The Portugal-based forward collected a pass on the fringes of the 18-yard box, beat a defender and then curled a shot with the outside of his left foot past Williams.

Karan Arjpaul returns excellent figures of 9 for 22 to reduce Demerara to 95 for 9.

Sparta Boss face Albouystown; Tucville play Sophia tonight See Page 27

GFF facilitates reintegration of GFC and Pele FC to GFA … Clubs to lose membership with GFF

By Rawle Toney THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has commenced efforts to reintegrate the Pele Football Club and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) into the activities of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), following their relegation from the Elite League.

The two clubs, along with Alpha United and Slingerz FC, were relegated to the GFA and the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA), after their refusal to participate in the second edition of the STAG Elite League, calling the GFF’s move to add Victoria Kings and Linden’s Topp XX undemocratic and unconstitutional.

The GFF is of the conten-

GFF president Wayne Forde

tion that Pele and GFC will become registered members of the GFA and participate in the activities of the same.

However, the GFF constitution lists the aforementioned clubs as members of the federation among the 22 affiliates, but GFF president Wayne Forde said “that will be changed soon”.

Constitutionally, the four clubs, despite being relegated, are still members of the GFF, according to the Article 9 and 10 of the GFF constitution.

The GFF constitution (Article 9:1.2.3) states “the Congress shall decide whether to admit, suspend or expel a Member. (2) Admission may be granted if the applicant

Turn to page 22

Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson

Rain hurts Windies bid for World Cup qualification Rio Olympics price tag rises to $13.2 billion

Rashid Khan, Javed Ahmadi and Nasir Jamal walk around the outfield, in the rd ODI, St Lucia, June 14, 2017 © AFP THE series between West Indies and Afghanistan ended in a 1-1 tie as the deciding match was washed out by rain, which had been heavy overnight and persistent through the day.

There was just enough time with clear skies for the two captains to come out for the toss - two hours after schedule - but as soon as Asghar Stanikzai found

the favour of the coin, he lost those of the elements.

A drizzle prompted the groundstaff to cover the square again and pushed the match into an interminable delay.

For your information, Afghanistan opted to bat.

In other news, West Indies coach Stuart Law, during a pre-match interview with the host broadcaster, was very frank in

his assessment of the team.

He said his players were actually less experienced than the opposition’s - an Associate Member - in ODI cricket and also admitted that West Indies were in a great struggle to climb up the rankings and gain automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup. The top eight sides

Turn to page 22

(REUTERS) - The cost of last year’s Rio Olympics has risen to 43.3 billion reais (£10.35 billion), around 14.5 billion reais more than originally planned, according to figures published by the federal agency for Olympic legacy (AGLO) yesterday.

The original budget when Brazil won the right to host the Games in 2009 was around 28.8 billion reais.

The total announced yesterday could still rise further, but it was in keeping with expectations that had been revised during the countdown to South America’s first ever Olympics.

The cost is below the £8.92 billion ($14.3 billion) spent in London 2012, but still more than twice the $5.2 billion average cost of hosting the Summer Games, according to a 2015 study by the University of Oxford and Said Business School.

Some 7.23 billion reais was spent on venues, AGLO said.

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The Globo sports website reported that the cost of infrastructure projects rose to 26.7 billion reais and another 9.2 billion reais was spent on operating costs.

Rio de Janeiro, which hosted the Olympics in August and the Paralympics in September, has been crit-

FILE PHOTO: 2016 Rio Olympics - Athletics - Maracana Stadium Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 11/08/2016. The Olympics logo is seen on a rain cover for the long jump sand pit. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)

icised for a lack of legacy planning, with some of the venues abandoned soon after the closing ceremony.

Other infrastructure projects, including a new metro line that does not extend all the way to the main Olympic Park, have had their effectiveness questioned.

Officials said that legacy planning was a major challenge but that they intended to hold an average of three events a month at the Olympic venues starting this June - a number they hope will increase to 10 events a month by December.

“It’s not easy to manage the legacy,” AGLO president Paulo Marcio Dias Mello told reporters.

“London, for example, took two years to deliver the legacy and even today there is public investment in that legacy.”

“Even if it doesn’t meet everyone’s expectations, it will be a relief that what we have here will not be white elephants.”

THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2017